U.S. patent application number 11/557878 was filed with the patent office on 2008-05-08 for gaming system and method for providing multiple level progressive awards with increased odds of winning higher level progressive awards.
This patent application is currently assigned to IGT. Invention is credited to Anthony J. Baerlocher, Ryan Cuddy.
Application Number | 20080108431 11/557878 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 39360349 |
Filed Date | 2008-05-08 |
United States Patent
Application |
20080108431 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Cuddy; Ryan ; et
al. |
May 8, 2008 |
GAMING SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR PROVIDING MULTIPLE LEVEL PROGRESSIVE
AWARDS WITH INCREASED ODDS OF WINNING HIGHER LEVEL PROGRESSIVE
AWARDS
Abstract
A gaming system including a central server linked to a plurality
of gaming machines is provided. The gaming system includes a
plurality of progressive awards arranged in a hierarchy. Upon the
occurrence of a triggering event or qualifying condition, a bonus
game is started. A player can win a next higher progressive award
by accumulating award values. If the player's total award value is
greater than or equal to a trigger value for a progressive award,
the player wins the progressive award. Unless a termination
condition occurs, the bonus game continues. The total award value
is set to the progressive award value. Alternatively, the
progressive award value is added to the player's total award value.
The trigger value for a progressive award can be the startup value
for that progressive award.
Inventors: |
Cuddy; Ryan; (Reno, NV)
; Baerlocher; Anthony J.; (Reno, NV) |
Correspondence
Address: |
BELL, BOYD & LLOYD LLP
P.O. Box 1135
CHICAGO
IL
60690
US
|
Assignee: |
IGT
Reno
NV
|
Family ID: |
39360349 |
Appl. No.: |
11/557878 |
Filed: |
November 8, 2006 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
463/27 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G07F 17/3246 20130101;
G07F 17/3258 20130101; G07F 17/3267 20130101; G07F 17/3211
20130101; A63F 13/95 20140902; G07F 17/3223 20130101; G07F 17/3239
20130101; G07F 17/34 20130101; G07F 17/3255 20130101; G07F 17/3276
20130101; A63F 13/23 20140902; G07F 17/3248 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
463/27 |
International
Class: |
A63F 13/00 20060101
A63F013/00 |
Claims
1. A gaming device comprising: a plurality of symbols; a display
device configured to display one or more of the plurality of
symbols; and a processor operable with the display device to: (a)
set and display a total award value to an initial value; (b)
display one or more of the plurality of symbols; (c) determine any
award values associated with the displayed symbols; (d) increase
and display the total award value by any of said determined award
values; (e) increase the total award value based on a first
progressive award value if the total award value is greater than or
equal to a first trigger value; (f) display the increased total
award value; and (g) determine whether the increased total award
value is greater than or equal to a second trigger value associated
with a second progressive award value.
2. The gaming device of claim 1, wherein the first trigger value is
a startup value for the first progressive award value.
3. The gaming device of claim 1, wherein the processor is operable
to set the total award value to the second progressive award value
if the total award value is greater than or equal to the second
trigger value.
4. The gaming device of claim 3, wherein the second trigger value
is a startup value for the second progressive award value.
5. The gaming device of claim 1, wherein the processor is operable
to increase the total award value by the second progressive award
value if the total award value is greater than or equal to the
second trigger value.
6. The gaming device of claim 5, wherein the second value is a
startup value for the second progressive award.
7. The gaming device of claim 1, wherein the processor is operable
to provide the second progressive award value to the player if the
total award value is greater than or equal to the second trigger
value.
8. The gaming device of claim 1, wherein the processor is operable
to terminate a game when a terminator symbol is generated.
9. The gaming device of claim 1, wherein the processor is operable
to increase the total award value based on the first progressive
award value by setting the total award value to the first
progressive award value.
10. The gaming device of claim 1, wherein the processor is operable
to increase the total award value based on the first progressive
award value by increasing the total award value by the first
progressive award value.
11. The gaming device of claim 1, wherein the second progressive
award is a top progressive award and wherein the processor is
operable to provide the second progressive award to a player if a
top progressive award winning symbol is generated.
12. The gaming device of claim 1, wherein the initial value is
zero.
13. The gaming device of claim 1, wherein the processor is operable
to provide at least the first progressive award value to a
player.
14. The gaming device of claim 1, wherein the processor is operable
to provide the higher of the first progressive award value and the
second progressive award value to a player if the total award value
is greater than or equal to the second trigger value.
15. The gaming device of claim 14, wherein the processor is
operable to provide the higher of the first progressive award value
and the second progressive award value to the player without
providing the lower of the first progressive award value and the
second progressive award value to the player if the total award
value is greater than or equal to the second trigger value.
16. A gaming device comprising: a plurality of symbols; a display
device configured to display one or more of the plurality of
symbols; and a processor operable to: (a) set and display a total
award value to an initial value; (b) cause the display of one or
more of the plurality of symbols; (c) determine any award values
associated with the displayed symbols; (d) increase and display the
total award value by any of said determined award values; (e)
provide at least a first one of a plurality of progressive award
values to a player if the total award value is equal to a trigger
value associated with said progressive award, wherein each of the
plurality of progressive award values is associated with one of a
plurality of trigger values; (f) set and display the total award
value to the provided progressive award value; and (g) determine
whether the set total award value is equal to a second one of the
trigger values associated with a second one of the progressive
award values.
17. The gaming device of claim 16, wherein the processor is
operable to end a game if the total award value is higher than all
of the trigger values associated with the plurality of progressive
award values.
18. The gaming device of claim 16, wherein the processor is
operable to reset the total award value to the initial value if the
total award value is higher than all of the trigger values
associated with the plurality of progressive award values.
19. The gaming device of claim 16, wherein the processor is
operable to provide the higher of the first and second ones of the
progressive award values to the player without providing the lower
of the first and second ones of the progressive award values if the
total award value is greater than or equal to the second trigger
value.
20. A gaming system comprising a controller, said controller
programmed to manage a first progressive award value associated
with a first trigger value and a second progressive award value
associated with a second trigger value; and at least one gaming
device including: a display device; and a gaming device processor
programmed to operate with said central controller and said display
device to: (a) set and display a total award value to an initial
value; (b) display one or more of a plurality of symbols; (c)
determine any award values associated with the displayed symbols;
(d) increase the total award value by any of said determined award
values; (e) provide at least the first progressive award value to a
player and increase the total award value based on the first
progressive award value if the total award value is greater than or
equal to the first trigger value; (f) display the increased total
award value; and (g) determine whether the increased total award
value is greater than or equal to the second trigger value.
21. The gaming system of claim 20, wherein the first trigger value
is a startup value for the first progressive award value.
22. The gaming system of claim 20, wherein increasing the total
award value based on the first progressive award value includes
setting the total award value to the first progressive award
value.
23. The gaming system of claim 20, wherein increasing the total
award value based on the first progressive award value includes
increasing the total award value by the first progressive award
value.
24. The gaming device of claim 20, wherein the gaming device
processor is operable to provide the higher of the first
progressive award value and the second progressive award value to
the player without providing the lower of the first progressive
award value and the second progressive award value to the player if
the total award value is greater than or equal to the second
trigger value.
25. A method of operating a gaming system, said gaming system
including a controller in communication with at least one gaming
device, said method comprising: (a) causing the controller to
manage a first progressive award value associated with a first
trigger value and a second progressive award value associated with
a second trigger value; and (b) causing a first one of the gaming
devices to: (i) set and display a total award value to an initial
value; (ii) display one or more of a plurality of symbols; (iii)
determine any award value associated with the displayed symbols;
(iv) increase the total award value by any of said determined award
values; (v) provide at least the first progressive award value to a
player and increase the total award value based on the first
progressive award value if the total award value is greater than or
equal to the first trigger value; (vi) display the total award
value; and (vii) determine whether the increased total award value
is greater than or equal to the second trigger value.
26. The method of claim 25, wherein the first trigger value is a
startup value for the first progressive award value.
27. The method of claim 25, wherein increasing the total award
value based on the first progressive award value includes setting
the total award value to the first progressive award value.
28. The method of claim 25, wherein increasing the total award
value based on the first progressive award value includes
increasing the total award value by the first progressive award
value.
29. The method of claim 25, which is provided through a data
network.
30. The method of claim 29, wherein the data network is an
internet.
31. The method of claim 25, further including providing the higher
of the first progressive award value and the second progressive
award value to the player without providing the lower of the first
progressive award value and the second progressive award value to
the player if the total award value is greater than or equal to the
second trigger value.
Description
COPYRIGHT NOTICE
[0001] A portion of the disclosure of this patent document contains
or may contain material which is subject to copyright protection.
The copyright owner has no objection to the photocopy reproduction
by anyone of the patent document or the patent disclosure in
exactly the form it appears in the Patent and Trademark Office
patent file or records, but otherwise reserves all copyright rights
whatsoever.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Gaming machines which provide players awards in primary or
base games are well known. Gaming machines generally require the
player to place or make a wager to activate the primary or base
game. In many of these gaming machines, the award is based on the
player obtaining a winning symbol or symbol combination and on the
amount of the wager (e.g., the higher the wager, the higher the
award). Symbols or symbol combinations which are less likely to
occur usually provide higher awards.
[0003] In such known gaming machines, the amount of the wager made
on the base game by the player may vary. For instance, the gaming
machine may enable the player to wager a minimum number of credits,
such as one credit (e.g., one penny, nickel, dime, quarter or
dollar) up to a maximum number of credits, such as five credits.
This wager may be made by the player a single time or multiple
times in a single play of the primary game. For instance, a slot
game may have one or more paylines and the slot game may enable the
player to make a wager on each payline in a single play of the
primary game. Thus, it is known that a gaming machine, such as a
slot game, may enable players to make wagers of substantially
different amounts on each play of the primary or base game ranging,
for example, from 1 credit up to 125 credits (e.g., 5 credits on
each of 25 separate paylines). This is also true for other wagering
games, such as video draw poker, where players can wager one or
more credits on each hand and where multiple hands can be played
simultaneously. Accordingly, it should be appreciated that
different players play at substantially different wagering amounts
or levels and at substantially different rates of play.
[0004] Secondary or bonus games are also known in gaming machines.
The secondary or bonus games usually provide an additional award to
the player. Secondary or bonus games usually do not require an
additional wager by the player to be activated. Secondary or bonus
games are generally activated or triggered upon an occurrence of a
designated triggering symbol or triggering symbol combination in
the primary or base game. For instance, a bonus symbol occurring on
the payline on the third reel of a three reel slot machine may
trigger the secondary bonus game. Part of the enjoyment and
excitement of playing certain gaming machines is the occurrence or
triggering of the secondary or bonus game (even before the player
knows how much the bonus award will be). In other words, obtaining
a bonus event and a bonus award in the bonus event is part of the
enjoyment and excitement for players.
[0005] One such secondary or bonus game provides a player one or
more free spin sequences. In these gaming devices, upon an
occurrence of a triggering event in the primary game, the gaming
device temporarily halts the primary game play and enables a player
to enter a free spin mode or sequence wherein one or more free
spins are provided to the player. The player plays the free spin
mode or sequence, likely receives an award during one or more of
the free spins and returns to the base game. Free spin mode or
sequences that provide players with large awards or the potential
to win large awards are attractive to players.
[0006] Progressive awards associated with gaming machines are also
known. In one form, a progressive award is an award amount which
includes an initial amount funded by a casino and an additional
amount funded through a portion of each wager made on the
progressive gaming machine. For example, 0.1% of each wager placed
on the primary game of the gaming machine associated with the
progressive award may be allocated to the progressive award or
progressive award fund or pool. The progressive award grows in
value as more players play the gaming machines and more portions of
these players' wagers are allocated to the progressive award. When
a player obtains a winning symbol or symbol combination associated
with the progressive award, the accumulated progressive award is
provided to the player. After the progressive award is provided to
the player, the amount of the next progressive award is reset to
the initial value and a portion of each subsequent wager on a
gaming machine associated with a progressive award is allocated to
the next progressive award.
[0007] A progressive award may be associated with or otherwise
dedicated to a single or stand-alone gaming machine. Alternatively,
a progressive award may be associated with or otherwise dedicated
to multiple gaming machines which each contribute a portion of
wagers placed at such gaming machine(s) to the progressive award.
The multiple gaming machines may be in the same bank of gaming
machines, in the same casino or gaming establishment (usually
through a local area network ("LAN")) or in two or more different
casinos or gaming establishments (usually through a wide area
network ("WAN")). Such progressive awards are played for by one or
more gaming devices in the same gaming establishment sometimes
called local area progressives ("LAP") and such progressive awards
played for by a plurality of gaming devices at a plurality of
different gaming establishments are sometimes called wide area
progressives ("WAP").
[0008] Moreover, a gaming machine or bank of gaming machines may be
simultaneously associated with a plurality of progressive awards.
In these multi-level progressive ("MLP") configurations, a
plurality of progressive awards are arranged in a hierarchy and can
start at different award or value levels, such as $10, $100, $1000
and $10,000. Each progressive award individually increments or
increases until provided to a player. Upon a suitable triggering
event at one or more of the gaming devices associated with the MLP,
one or more of the progressive awards which form the MLP are
provided to one or more of the players at such gaming devices.
[0009] There is a continuing need to provide new and different
gaming machines and gaming systems as well as new and different
ways to provide awards to players including bonus awards.
SUMMARY
[0010] In one embodiment, the gaming system disclosed herein
includes a plurality of progressive awards arranged in a hierarchy.
Each progressive award has or is associated with a trigger value.
During game play, a player accumulates award values, and if the
player's total award value is greater than or equal to the trigger
value for one of the progressive awards, in one embodiment, the
gaming system provides the player that progressive award. The
gaming system also provides the player an improved chance of
winning higher progressive awards when a lower progressive award is
won. In one such embodiment, the improved chance is provided by
increasing the total award value based on the lower progressive
award value that is won. For example, if the lower progressive
award is won, the player's total award value is increased to the
lower progressive award value. As a result, the total award value
is closer to the trigger value for one or more of the higher
progressive awards than it would be if it were not increased based
on the lower progressive award value. In one alternative
embodiment, if the player's total award value is greater than or
equal to the trigger value for a lower progressive award value,
that lower progressive award value is not provided to the player if
the player subsequently win a higher progressive award value.
[0011] In one example, a first progressive award has a progressive
award value of $22 and a trigger value of $5, a second progressive
award has a progressive award value of $100 and a trigger value of
$25, and a player has a total award value of $3. If the player
accumulates at least $2 more, the player wins the first progressive
award. Additionally, the player's total award value is increased
from $5 to $22. As a result, the player only needs to accumulate an
additional $3 ($25-$22=$3) to win the second progressive award
instead of an additional $20 ($25-$5=$20) to win the second
progressive award. The player is more likely to accumulate $3 than
$20, so the player's odds of winning the second progressive are
increased.
[0012] In one embodiment, the trigger value for one or more
progressive awards is the startup value for that progressive award.
A startup value is the value to which a progressive award is
initially set or reset upon being won. As described above or in any
other suitable manner, the progressive award is increased based on
a portion of one or more wagers until the progressive award is
provided to a player. If a progressive award is provided to a
player, the progressive award value is reset to the startup value
and is again increased by one or more wagers in subsequent game
play.
[0013] In one embodiment, the progressive awards are winnable in a
bonus or secondary game. At the start of the bonus game, the
player's total award value is set to an initial value, such as
zero. Also, the player is provided one or more spins or activations
of one or more symbol generators, such as reels. The symbol
generators each include or are otherwise associated with a
plurality of symbols. One or more symbols or combinations of
symbols are associated with award values, bonus game terminators,
or progressive award wins. If a spin result includes symbols or
combinations associated with award values, those award values are
added to the player's total award value. In an example, a spin
result includes three cherry symbols on the same payline, a $1
symbol and a $5 symbol among other symbols. If three cherry symbols
on the same payline is associated with an award value of $10, the
$1 symbol is associated with $1 and the $5 symbol is associated
with $5, a total of $16 (i.e., $10+$1+$5) is added to the player's
total award value. It should be appreciated that any suitable
alternative methods may be employed to track the player's total
award value.
[0014] As described above, the gaming system determines whether the
player's total award value is greater than or equal to one of the
trigger values for the progressive awards. In one embodiment, this
determination is made at designated intervals, such as after each
generation of possible award values. It should be noted that, in
one embodiment, the determination is only made with respect to
trigger values associated with progressive awards that are not
already won by the player during the current play of the bonus
game.
[0015] In another example, a first progressive award is associated
with a trigger value of $50 and a progressive award value of $250,
a second progressive award is associated with a trigger value of
$300, and a player has a total award value of $45. A spin results
in $10 being added to the player's total award value, increasing it
to $55. The gaming system determines that the total award value
($55) is greater than the trigger value ($50) of the first
progressive award. As a result, the player wins the first
progressive award and the total award value is increased to $250.
After the next spin, the gaming system will not determine whether
the total award value is greater than the trigger value ($50) of
the first progressive award. Instead, the gaming system will
determine whether the total award value is greater than or equal to
the trigger value ($300) of the second progressive award. As a
result, the player's chance of winning the next progressive award
is improved because the total award value is advanced an additional
$195 towards the trigger value of the next progressive award;
however, the player is prevented from repeatedly winning one
progressive award during the same play of a bonus game. The
progressive award or awards won by a player are provided to the
player before subsequent spins or, alternatively, upon termination
of the bonus game.
[0016] In one embodiment, after each spin, the gaming system also
determines whether a terminating condition occurs. Terminating
conditions include a top progressive award being won, no more spins
or activations being available, a terminator symbol or combination
being generated, a lack of one or more symbols or combinations
being generated or any other suitable condition. It should be
understood that different embodiments can have different
terminating conditions. If a game terminating condition occurs, the
bonus game ends. However, if a game terminating condition does not
occur, the bonus game continues the player is provided with another
spin.
[0017] In one embodiment, a player is provided with an initial
number of remaining spins or activations. After each spin, the
number of remaining spins is reduced by one. If the number of
remaining spins is zero, the bonus or secondary game ends.
[0018] In one embodiment, in addition to a progressive award being
winnable by accumulating awards, the progressive award is winnable
by generating a symbol combination associated with the progressive
award. If the progressive award is won in either way, the player's
total award value is increased to the progressive award value. In
one example, a combination of three bell symbols on one payline is
associated with winning a progressive award with a progressive
award value of $50. Before a spin, the total award value is $2.50.
Three bell symbols on one payline are generated in the spin. As a
result, the player wins the progressive award and the total award
value is set to $50. As a result of the increase in the total award
value (i.e., $2.50 to $50), the player is significantly closer to
having a total award value that meets or exceeds the trigger value
(e.g. $75) for a higher progressive award.
[0019] In an alternative embodiment, instead of setting the total
award value to a progressive award value that is won, the total
award value is increased by the progressive award value. In an
example, $5 is the trigger value associated with a progressive
award with a progressive award value of $25. After a spin, the
total award value is $5. As a result, the total award value is
increased by the progressive award value and becomes $30 (i.e.,
$5+$25). Consequently, the player's chance of winning the next
progressive award is improved because the total award value is
advanced an additional $25 towards the trigger value (e.g., $50) of
the next progressive award. In other embodiments, the total award
value is increased by another suitable amount, including but not
limited to: a predetermined amount which is not dependent on a
progressive award value, a randomly determined amount within a
range of amounts, a percentage of the difference between the total
award value and the next trigger value, a predetermined amount less
than the difference between the total award value and the next
trigger value, a percentage or portion of the progressive award
value won or a percentage or portion of the total award value.
[0020] In another embodiment, the player wins an initial
progressive award at the beginning of the bonus game. Further, the
initial total award value for the bonus game is set to the initial
progressive award value. In an example, an initial progressive
award value is $15.75. If a trigger condition occurs in the primary
game, the bonus game is initiated, the player wins the initial
progressive award, and the player's total award value is set to
$15.75.
[0021] In another alternative embodiment, a progressive award won
by a player is not necessarily provided to the player. The player
risks an award reducing condition being generated on one or more
subsequent spins. One example of an award reducing condition is a
bankrupt symbol or combination. If a bankrupt symbol is generated,
the player loses any progressive awards earned during play of the
bonus game. Another example of an award reducing condition is a
negative award symbol or combination. If a negative award symbol is
generated, the player's winnings or total award value is reduced by
a reduction value associated with the negative award symbol.
[0022] In one embodiment, the player is offered the option of
ending the bonus game before activating a next spin to prevent
losing some or all of the player's accumulated winnings. For
example, after winning a progressive award, the player may decide
to end the game and receive the award instead of risking a bankrupt
symbol being generated on the next spin. In another embodiment, the
player loses any progressive award won during the bonus game if the
player wins a progressive award, decides to continue playing for
the next progressive award and fails to reach the next trigger
value.
[0023] In another embodiment, the player can win additional spins
or anti-terminators during play of the bonus game. For example, the
generation of a free spin symbol in a spin of the bonus game
increases the number of remaining spins by one or more. Similarly,
if a player wins an anti-terminator and a terminator symbol is
generated on a subsequent spin, the anti-terminator counters the
effects of the terminator symbol, enabling the game to continue. In
another embodiment, a number of remaining spins is not maintained
and the player is provided additional spins or activations until a
game terminating condition occurs.
[0024] In an alternative embodiment, instead of the progressive
awards being provided to the player, the total award value is
provided to the player at the end of the bonus game. In an example,
during a bonus game, a player won a progressive award with a
progressive award value of $10,000. On subsequent spins, the
player's total award value increased by $35 to a total of $1035
before the bonus game ended due to the generation of a terminator
symbol. However, the next trigger value is $15,000. As a result,
$1035 is provided to the player. In another embodiment, the higher
of the progressive award and the total award value is provided to
the player. In other embodiments, other suitable amounts are
provided to the player.
[0025] As mentioned above, in one embodiment, a player is only
provided one of the progressive awards won (or qualified for)
during the game. For example, a player enters the bonus game
because a symbol combination associated with winning a second
progressive award occurs during play of the primary game. During
the bonus game, the player accumulates sufficient awards to also
win a third progressive award. At the end of the bonus game, from
the awards won by the player (i.e., the second progressive award
and the third progressive award), the one with the higher value is
provided to the player and reset to its startup value. The other
won progressive awards are not provided to the player and continue
to increase in value without being reset.
[0026] In one embodiment, at least one progressive award is
associated with a maximum value. For example, the maximum value can
be the startup value of the next progressive award in the
hierarchy. Once the progressive award value is incremented to the
maximum value, additional values which would otherwise increment
the progressive award value are allocated for different uses. For
example, the additional values are stored for later use to fund the
startup value of this or another progressive award.
[0027] Alternatively, the additional values or a portion of the
additional values fund a one-time increase in the startup value for
some progressive award. As a result, the progressive award is reset
to a higher value than the regular startup value. For example,
before a maxed-out progressive award is won, $15 is accumulated
from additional values that could not be added to the maxed-out
progressive award. Instead of the progressive award being reset to
its regular startup value of $10, it is reset to $15. In another
embodiment, the additional values are added to the progressive
value of the next non-maxed-out progressive award in the
hierarchy.
[0028] In an alternative embodiment, the trigger value necessary to
win a progressive award is dependent upon the total award value at
some point in the bonus game. As a result, after winning a
progressive award, a player is still required to accumulate a
minimum additional amount of awards to win the next progressive
award. For example, the trigger value for a second progressive
award is $25 more than the total award value when the first
progressive award is won. In this example, the first progressive
award value is $15, and the trigger value for the first progressive
award is $10. If the player wins the first progressive award by
having a total award value of $10.75 and the total award value
becomes $25.75 ($10.75+$15), the player must reach at least a total
award value of $50.75 to win the second progressive award. It
should be noted that the trigger amount can be dependent in any
suitable manner upon the total award value at some point in the
bonus game, including but not limited to: being a fixed amount
higher, being a fixed percentage higher or being a randomly
generated amount (or percentage) within a range of amounts
higher.
[0029] In another embodiment, one or more of the progressive awards
are partially funded via a side-bet or side-wager which the player
may make (and which may be tracked via a side-bet meter). In one
embodiment, one or more of the progressive awards are funded with
only side-bets or side-wagers placed. In another embodiment, one or
more of the progressive awards are funded based on player's wagers
as described above as well as any side-bets or side-wagers
placed.
[0030] In one embodiment, total award values persist for use in a
later played game. In one embodiment, a persistent total award
value is associated with an individual player. As a result, the
player is able to accumulate awards values in a bonus game, save
the total award value, stop playing for a period of time, return to
playing and not lose the total award value the player previously
won. Alternatively, the persistent total award values are
associated with a gaming device. As a result, if a first player
accumulates a total award value in a bonus game on a gaming device
and then stops playing, the total award value is stored by or in
association with that gaming device. The next player to play the
bonus game on the gaming device plays using the total award value
previously accumulated by the first player.
[0031] In another alternative embodiment, a progressive award is
won based on a total award value only when a total award value is
exactly equal to a trigger value associated with the progressive
award. A player is provided with the opportunity to accumulate
award values or other suitable progress indicators to produce a
total award value as described above or in any other suitable
manner. If the total award value is equal to the trigger value
associated with one of the progressive awards in the hierarchy, the
player wins that progressive award.
[0032] Additional features and advantages are described in, and
will be apparent from, the following Detailed Description and the
figures.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES
[0033] FIG. 1A is a front-side perspective view of one embodiment
of the gaming device disclosed herein.
[0034] FIG. 1B is a front-side perspective view of another
embodiment of the gaming device disclosed herein.
[0035] FIG. 2A is a schematic block diagram of the electronic
configuration of one embodiment of the gaming device disclosed
herein.
[0036] FIG. 2B is a schematic block diagram illustrating a
plurality of gaming terminals in communication with a central
controller.
[0037] FIG. 3A is a front view of a display at the start of a bonus
game of one embodiment.
[0038] FIG. 3B is a front view of a display showing the result of a
first spin of a bonus game of one embodiment.
[0039] FIG. 3C is a front view of a display showing the result of a
second spin of a bonus game of one embodiment in which a
progressive award is won.
[0040] FIG. 3D is a front view of a display showing the result a
third spin of a bonus game of one embodiment in which a terminator
symbol is generated.
[0041] FIG. 3E is a front view of a display at the start of a bonus
game of one embodiment in which an initial value for the total
award value is a progressive award value.
[0042] FIG. 3F is a front view of a display showing the result a
third spin of a bonus game of one embodiment in which a free spin
symbol is generated.
[0043] FIG. 3G is a front view of a display showing the result a
second spin of a bonus game of one embodiment in which the
progressive award value is added to the total award value.
[0044] FIG. 3H is a front view of a display showing the result a
second spin of a bonus game of one embodiment in which the player
is provided with an opportunity to end the game by pressing a cash
out button.
[0045] FIG. 3I is a front view of a display showing the result a
third spin of a bonus game of one embodiment in which the player is
not provided a progressive award won on a previous spin.
[0046] FIG. 3J is a front view of a display showing the result a
third spin of a bonus game of one embodiment in which the total
award value is provided to the player
[0047] FIG. 3K is a front view of a display showing the result of a
first spin of a bonus game of one embodiment in which the second
progressive award value is increased and the third progressive
award value is reset.
[0048] FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing the process of operating a
gaming device in which progressive awards are provided to a player
when a total award value in a bonus game is greater than or equal
to a startup value for the progressive award and in which the total
award value is set to the progressive award when the progressive
award is won in accordance with one embodiment.
[0049] FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the process of operating a
gaming device in which a total award value is provided to a player
at the end of a bonus game and in which a total award value is
incremented by a progressive award value when the total award value
is greater than or equal to a startup value for the progressive
award in accordance with one embodiment.
[0050] FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the process of operating a
gaming device in which progressive awards are provided to a player
when a total award value in a bonus game is equal to a startup
value for the progressive award and in which the total award value
is set to the progressive award when the progressive award is won
in accordance with one embodiment.
[0051] FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the process of operating a
gaming device in which progressive awards are provided to a player
when a total award value in a bonus game is equal to a startup
value for the progressive award and in which the total award value
is only incremented in response to award values generated in a spin
in accordance with one embodiment.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0052] The present disclosure may be implemented in various
configurations for gaming machines or gaming devices, including but
not limited to: (1) a dedicated gaming machine or gaming device,
wherein the computerized instructions for controlling any games
(which are provided by the gaming machine or gaming device) are
provided with the gaming machine or gaming device prior to delivery
to a gaming establishment; and (2) a changeable gaming machine or
gaming device, where the computerized instructions for controlling
any games (which are provided by the gaming machine or gaming
device) are downloadable to the gaming machine or gaming device
through a data network when the gaming machine or gaming device is
in a gaming establishment. In one embodiment, the computerized
instructions for controlling any games are executed by a central
server, central controller or remote host. In such a "thin client"
embodiment, the central server remotely controls any games (or
other suitable interfaces) and the gaming device is utilized to
display such games (or suitable interfaces) and receive one or more
inputs or commands from a player. In another embodiment, the
computerized instructions for controlling any games are
communicated from the central server, central controller or remote
host to a gaming device local processor and memory devices. In such
a "thick client" embodiment, the gaming device local processor
executes the communicated computerized instructions to control any
games (or other suitable interfaces) provided to a player.
[0053] In one embodiment, one or more gaming devices in a gaming
system may be thin client gaming devices and one or more gaming
devices in the gaming system may be thick client gaming devices. In
another embodiment, certain functions of the gaming device are
implemented in a thin client environment and certain other
functions of the gaming device are implemented in a thick client
environment. In one such embodiment, computerized instructions for
controlling any primary games are communicated from the central
server to the gaming device in a thick client configuration and
computerized instructions for controlling any secondary games or
bonus functions are executed by a central server in a thin client
configuration.
[0054] Referring now to the drawings, two example alternative
embodiments of the gaming device of the disclosed herein are
illustrated in FIGS. 1A and 1B as gaming device 10a and gaming
device 10b, respectively. Gaming device 10a and/or gaming device
10b are generally referred to herein as gaming device 10.
[0055] In the embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 1A and 1B, gaming
device 10 has a support structure, housing or cabinet which
provides support for a plurality of displays, inputs, controls and
other features of a conventional gaming machine. It is configured
so that a player can operate it while standing or sitting. The
gaming device may be positioned on a base or stand or can be
configured as a pub-style table-top game (not shown) which a player
can operate preferably while sitting. As illustrated by the
different configurations shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B, the gaming
device may have varying cabinet and display configurations.
[0056] In one embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 2A, the gaming
device preferably includes at least one processor 12, such as a
microprocessor, a microcontroller-based platform, a suitable
integrated circuit or one or more application-specific integrated
circuits (ASIC's). The processor is in communication with or
operable to access or to exchange signals with at least one data
storage or memory device 14. In one embodiment, the processor and
the memory device reside within the cabinet of the gaming device.
The memory device stores program code and instructions, executable
by the processor, to control the gaming device. The memory device
also stores other data such as image data, event data, player input
data, random or pseudo-random number generators, pay-table data or
information and applicable game rules that relate to the play of
the gaming device. In one embodiment, the memory device includes
random access memory (RAM), which can include non-volatile RAM
(NVRAM), magnetic RAM (MRAM), ferroelectric RAM (FeRAM) and other
forms as commonly understood in the gaming industry. In one
embodiment, the memory device includes read only memory (ROM). In
one embodiment, the memory device includes flash memory and/or
EEPROM (electrically erasable programmable read only memory). Any
other suitable magnetic, optical and/or semiconductor memory may
operate in conjunction with the gaming device disclosed herein.
[0057] In one embodiment, part or all of the program code and/or
operating data described above can be stored in a detachable or
removable memory device, including, but not limited to, a suitable
cartridge, disk, CD ROM, DVD or USB memory device. In other
embodiments, part or all of the program code and/or operating data
described above can be downloaded to the memory device through a
suitable network.
[0058] In one embodiment, an operator or a player can use such a
removable memory device in a desktop computer, a laptop personal
computer, a personal digital assistant (PDA), portable computing
device, or other computerized platform to implement the present
disclosure. In one embodiment, the gaming device or gaming machine
disclosed herein is operable over a wireless network, such as part
of a wireless gaming system. In this embodiment, the gaming machine
may be a hand held device, a mobile device or any other suitable
wireless device that enables a player to play any suitable game at
a variety of different locations. It should be appreciated that a
gaming device or gaming machine as disclosed herein may be a device
that has obtained approval from a regulatory gaming commission or a
device that has not obtained approval from a regulatory gaming
commission. It should be appreciated that the processor and memory
device may be collectively referred to herein as a "computer" or
"controller."
[0059] In one embodiment, as discussed in more detail below, the
gaming device randomly generates awards and/or other game outcomes
based on probability data. In one such embodiment, this random
determination is provided through utilization of a random number
generator (RNG), such as a true random number generator, a pseudo
random number generator or other suitable randomization process. In
one embodiment, each award or other game outcome is associated with
a probability and the gaming device generates the award or other
game outcome to be provided to the player based on the associated
probabilities. In this embodiment, since the gaming device
generates outcomes randomly or based upon one or more probability
calculations, there is no certainty that the gaming device will
ever provide the player with any specific award or other game
outcome.
[0060] In another embodiment, as discussed in more detail below,
the gaming device employs a predetermined or finite set or pool of
awards or other game outcomes. In this embodiment, as each award or
other game outcome is provided to the player, the gaming device
flags or removes the provided award or other game outcome from the
predetermined set or pool. Once flagged or removed from the set or
pool, the specific provided award or other game outcome from that
specific pool cannot be provided to the player again. This type of
gaming device provides players with all of the available awards or
other game outcomes over the course of the play cycle and
guarantees the amount of actual wins and losses.
[0061] In another embodiment, as discussed below, upon a player
initiating game play at the gaming device, the gaming device
enrolls in a bingo game. In this embodiment, a bingo server calls
the bingo balls that result in a specific bingo game outcome. The
resultant game outcome is communicated to the individual gaming
device to be provided to a player. In one embodiment, this bingo
outcome is displayed to the player as a bingo game and/or in any
form in accordance with the present disclosure.
[0062] In one embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 2A, the gaming
device includes one or more display devices controlled by the
processor. The display devices are preferably connected to or
mounted to the cabinet of the gaming device. The embodiment shown
in FIG. 1A includes a central display device 16 which displays a
primary game. This display device may also display any suitable
secondary game associated with the primary game as well as
information relating to the primary or secondary game. The
alternative embodiment shown in FIG. 1B includes a central display
device 16 and an upper display device 18. The upper display device
may display the primary game, any suitable secondary game
associated or not associated with the primary game and/or
information relating to the primary or secondary game. As seen in
FIGS. 1A and 1B, in one embodiment, the gaming device includes a
credit display 20 which displays a player's number of credits,
cash, account balance or the equivalent. In one embodiment, gaming
device includes a bet display 22 which displays a player's amount
wagered.
[0063] In another embodiment, at least one display device may be a
mobile display device, such as a PDA or tablet PC, that enables
play of at least a portion of the primary or secondary game at a
location remote from the gaming device.
[0064] The display devices may include, without limitation, a
monitor, a television display, a plasma display, a liquid crystal
display (LCD) a display based on light emitting diodes (LED), a
display based on a plurality of organic light-emitting diodes
(OLEDs), a display based on polymer light-emitting diodes (PLEDs),
a display based on a plurality of surface-conduction
electron-emitters (SEDs), a display including a projected and/or
reflected image or any other suitable electronic device or display
mechanism. In one embodiment, as described in more detail below,
the display device includes a touch-screen with an associated
touch-screen controller. The display devices may be of any suitable
size and configuration, such as a square, a rectangle or an
elongated rectangle.
[0065] The display devices of the gaming device are configured to
display at least one and preferably a plurality of game or other
suitable images, symbols and indicia such as any visual
representation or exhibition of the movement of objects such as
mechanical, virtual or video reels and wheels, dynamic lighting,
video images, images of people, characters, places, things and
faces of cards, and the like.
[0066] In one alternative embodiment, the symbols, images and
indicia displayed on or of the display device may be in mechanical
form. That is, the display device may include any electromechanical
device, such as one or more mechanical objects, such as one or more
rotatable wheels, reels or dice, configured to display at least one
or a plurality of game or other suitable images, symbols or
indicia.
[0067] As illustrated in FIG. 2A, in one embodiment, the gaming
device includes at least one payment acceptor 24 in communication
with the processor. As seen in FIGS. 1A and 1B, the payment
acceptor may include a coin slot 26 and a payment, note or bill
acceptor 28, where the player inserts money, coins or tokens. The
player can place coins in the coin slot or paper money, a ticket or
voucher into the payment, note or bill acceptor. In other
embodiments, devices such as readers or validators for credit
cards, debit cards or credit slips may accept payment. In one
embodiment, a player may insert an identification card into a card
reader of the gaming device. In one embodiment, the identification
card is a smart card having a programmed microchip or a magnetic
strip coded with a player's identification, credit totals (or
related data) and other relevant information. In another
embodiment, a player may carry a portable device, such as a cell
phone, a radio frequency identification tag or any other suitable
wireless device, which communicates a player's identification,
credit totals (or related data) and other relevant information to
the gaming device. In one embodiment, money may be transferred to a
gaming device through electronic funds transfer. When a player
funds the gaming device, the processor determines the amount of
funds entered and displays the corresponding amount on the credit
or other suitable display as described above.
[0068] As seen in FIGS. 1A, 1B and 2A, in one embodiment the gaming
device includes at least one and preferably a plurality of input
devices 30 in communication with the processor. The input devices
can include any suitable device which enables the player to produce
an input signal which is received by the processor. In one
embodiment, after appropriate funding of the gaming device, the
input device is a game activation device, such as a pull arm 32 or
a play button 34 which is used by the player to start any primary
game or sequence of events in the gaming device. The play button
can be any suitable play activator such as a bet one button, a max
bet button or a repeat the bet button. In one embodiment, upon
appropriate funding, the gaming device begins the game play
automatically. In another embodiment, upon the player engaging one
of the play buttons, the gaming device automatically activates game
play.
[0069] In one embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B, one input
device is a bet one button 36. The player places a bet by pushing
the bet one button. The player can increase the bet by one credit
each time the player pushes the bet one button. When the player
pushes the bet one button, the number of credits shown in the
credit display preferably decreases by one, and the number of
credits shown in the bet display preferably increases by one. In
another embodiment, one input device is a bet max button (not
shown) which enables the player to bet the maximum wager permitted
for a game of the gaming device.
[0070] In one embodiment, one input device is a cash out button 38.
The player may push the cash out button and cash out to receive a
cash payment or other suitable form of payment corresponding to the
number of remaining credits. In one embodiment, when the player
cashes out, the player receives the coins or tokens in a coin
payout tray 40. In one embodiment, when the player cashes out, the
player may receive other payout mechanisms such as tickets or
credit slips redeemable by a cashier (or other suitable redemption
system) or funding to the player's electronically recordable
identification card.
[0071] In one embodiment, as mentioned above and seen in FIG. 2A,
one input device is a touch-screen 42 coupled with a touch-screen
controller 44, or some other touch-sensitive display overlay to
allow for player interaction with the images on the display. The
touch-screen and the touch-screen controller are connected to a
video controller 46. A player can make decisions and input signals
into the gaming device by touching the touch-screen at the
appropriate places. One such input device is a touch-screen button
panel. It should be appreciated that the utilization of
touch-screens is widespread in the gaming industry.
[0072] The gaming device may further include a plurality of
communication ports for enabling communication of the processor
with external peripherals, such as external video sources,
expansion buses, game or other displays, an SCSI port or a key
pad.
[0073] In one embodiment, as seen in FIG. 2A, the gaming device
includes a sound generating device controlled by one or more sounds
cards 48 which function in conjunction with the processor. In one
embodiment, the sound generating device includes at least one and
preferably a plurality of speakers 50 or other sound generating
hardware and/or software for generating sounds, such as playing
music for the primary and/or secondary game or for other modes of
the gaming device, such as an attract mode. In one embodiment, the
gaming device provides dynamic sounds coupled with attractive
multimedia images displayed on one or more of the display devices
to provide an audio-visual representation or to otherwise display
full-motion video with sound to attract players to the gaming
device. During idle periods, the gaming device may display a
sequence of audio and/or visual attraction messages to attract
potential players to the gaming device. The videos may also be
customized for or to provide any appropriate information.
[0074] In one embodiment, the gaming machine may include a sensor,
such as a camera in communication with the processor (and possibly
controlled by the processor) that is selectively positioned to
acquire an image of a player actively using the gaming device
and/or the surrounding area of the gaming device. In one
embodiment, the camera may be configured to selectively acquire
still or moving (e.g., video) images and may be configured to
acquire the images in either an analog, digital or other suitable
format. The display devices may be configured to display the image
acquired by the camera as well as display the visible manifestation
of the game in split screen or picture-in-picture fashion. For
example, the camera may acquire an image of the player and the
processor may incorporate that image into the primary and/or
secondary game as a game image, symbol or indicia.
[0075] Gaming device 10 can incorporate any suitable wagering
primary or base game. The gaming machine or device may include some
or all of the features of conventional gaming machines or devices.
The primary or base game may comprise any suitable reel-type game,
card game, cascading or falling symbol game, number game or other
game of chance susceptible to representation in an electronic or
electromechanical form, which in one embodiment produces a random
outcome based on probability data at the time of or after placement
of a wager. That is, different primary wagering games, such as
video poker games, video blackjack games, video keno, video bingo
or any other suitable primary or base game may be implemented.
[0076] In one embodiment, as illustrated in FIGS. 1A and 1B, a base
or primary game may be a slot game with one or more paylines 52.
The paylines may be horizontal, vertical, circular, diagonal,
angled or any combination thereof. In this embodiment, the gaming
device includes at least one and preferably a plurality of reels
54, such as three to five reels 54, in either electromechanical
form with mechanical rotating reels or video form with simulated
reels and movement thereof. In one embodiment, an electromechanical
slot machine includes a plurality of adjacent, rotatable reels
which may be combined and operably coupled with an electronic
display of any suitable type. In another embodiment, if the reels
54 are in video form, one or more of the display devices, as
described above, display the plurality of simulated video reels 54.
Each reel 54 displays a plurality of indicia such as bells, hearts,
fruits, numbers, letters, bars or other images which preferably
correspond to a theme associated with the gaming device. In this
embodiment, the gaming device awards prizes after the reels of the
primary game stop spinning if specified types and/or configurations
of indicia or symbols occur on an active payline or otherwise occur
in a winning pattern, occur on the requisite number of adjacent
reels and/or occur in a scatter pay arrangement.
[0077] In an alternative embodiment, rather than determining any
outcome to provide to the player by analyzing the symbols generated
on any wagered upon paylines as described above, the gaming device
determines any outcome to provide to the player based on the number
of associated symbols which are generated in active symbol
positions on the requisite number of adjacent reels (i.e., not on
paylines passing through any displayed winning symbol
combinations). In this embodiment, if a winning symbol combination
is generated on the reels, the gaming device provides the player
one award for that occurrence of the generated winning symbol
combination. For example, if one winning symbol combination is
generated on the reels, the gaming device will provide a single
award to the player for that winning symbol combination (i.e., not
based on paylines that would have passed through that winning
symbol combination). It should be appreciated that because a gaming
device with wagering on ways to win provides the player one award
for a single occurrence of a winning symbol combination and a
gaming device with paylines may provide the player more than one
award for the same occurrence of a single winning symbol
combination (i.e., if a plurality of paylines each pass through the
same winning symbol combination), it is possible to provide a
player at a ways to win gaming device more ways to win for an
equivalent bet or wager on a traditional slot gaming device with
paylines.
[0078] In one embodiment, the total number of ways to win is
determined by multiplying the number of symbols generated in active
symbol positions on a first reel by the number of symbols generated
in active symbol positions on a second reel by the number of
symbols generated in active symbol positions on a third reel and so
on for each reel of the gaming device with at least one symbol
generated in an active symbol position. For example, a three reel
gaming device with three symbols generated in active symbol
positions on each reel includes 27 ways to win (i.e., 3 symbols on
the first reel.times.3 symbols on the second reel.times.3 symbols
on the third reel). A four reel gaming device with three symbols
generated in active symbol positions on each reel includes 81 ways
to win (i.e., 3 symbols on the first reel.times.3 symbols on the
second reel.times.3 symbols on the third reel.times.3 symbols on
the fourth reel). A five reel gaming device with three symbols
generated in active symbol positions on each reel includes 243 ways
to win (i.e., 3 symbols on the first reel.times.3 symbols on the
second reel.times.3 symbols on the third reel.times.3 symbols on
the fourth reel.times.3 symbols on the fifth reel). It should be
appreciated that modifying the number of generated symbols by
either modifying the number of reels or modifying the number of
symbols generated in active symbol positions by one or more of the
reels, modifies the number of ways to win.
[0079] In another embodiment, the gaming device enables a player to
wager on and thus activate symbol positions. In one such
embodiment, the symbol positions are on the reels. In this
embodiment, if based on the player's wager, a reel is activated,
then each of the symbol positions of that reel will be activated
and each of the active symbol positions will be part of one or more
of the ways to win. In one embodiment, if based on the player's
wager, a reel is not activated, then a designated number of default
symbol positions, such as a single symbol position of the middle
row of the reel, will be activated and the default symbol
position(s) will be part of one or more of the ways to win. This
type of gaming machine enables a player to wager on one, more or
each of the reels and the processor of the gaming device uses the
number of wagered on reels to determine the active symbol positions
and the number of possible ways to win. In alternative embodiments,
(1) no symbols are displayed as generated at any of the inactive
symbol positions, or (2) any symbols generated at any inactive
symbol positions may be displayed to the player but suitably shaded
or otherwise designated as inactive.
[0080] In one embodiment wherein a player wagers on one or more
reels, a player's wager of one credit may activate each of the
three symbol positions on a first reel, wherein one default symbol
position is activated on each of the remaining four reels. In this
example, as described above, the gaming device provides the player
three ways to win (i.e., 3 symbols on the first reel.times.1 symbol
on the second reel.times.1 symbol on the third reel.times.1 symbol
on the fourth reel.times.1 symbol on the fifth reel). In another
example, a player's wager of nine credits may activate each of the
three symbol positions on a first reel, each of the three symbol
positions on a second reel and each of the three symbol positions
on a third reel wherein one default symbol position is activated on
each of the remaining two reels. In this example, as described
above, the gaming device provides the player twenty-seven ways to
win (i.e., 3 symbols on the first reel.times.3 symbols on the
second reel.times.3 symbols on the third reel.times.1 symbol on the
fourth reel.times.1 symbol on the fifth reel).
[0081] In one embodiment, to determine any award(s) to provide to
the player based on the generated symbols, the gaming device
individually determines if a symbol generated in an active symbol
position on a first reel forms part of a winning symbol combination
with or is otherwise suitably related to a symbol generated in an
active symbol position on a second reel. In this embodiment, the
gaming device classifies each pair of symbols which form part of a
winning symbol combination (i.e., each pair of related symbols) as
a string of related symbols. For example, if active symbol
positions include a first cherry symbol generated in the top row of
a first reel and a second cherry symbol generated in the bottom row
of a second reel, the gaming device classifies the two cherry
symbols as a string of related symbols because the two cherry
symbols form part of a winning symbol combination.
[0082] After determining if any strings of related symbols are
formed between the symbols on the first reel and the symbols on the
second reel, the gaming device determines if any of the symbols
from the next adjacent reel should be added to any of the formed
strings of related symbols. In this embodiment, for a first of the
classified strings of related symbols, the gaming device determines
if any of the symbols generated by the next adjacent reel form part
of a winning symbol combination or are otherwise related to the
symbols of the first string of related symbols. If the gaming
device determines that a symbol generated on the next adjacent reel
is related to the symbols of the first string of related symbols,
that symbol is subsequently added to the first string of related
symbols. For example, if the first string of related symbols is the
string of related cherry symbols and a related cherry symbol is
generated in the middle row of the third reel, the gaming device
adds the related cherry symbol generated on the third reel to the
previously classified string of cherry symbols.
[0083] On the other hand, if the gaming device determines that no
symbols generated on the next adjacent reel are related to the
symbols of the first string of related symbols, the gaming device
marks or flags such string of related symbols as complete. For
example, if the first string of related symbols is the string of
related cherry symbols and none of the symbols of the third reel
are related to the cherry symbols of the previously classified
string of cherry symbols, the gaming device marks or flags the
string of cherry symbols as complete.
[0084] After either adding a related symbol to the first string of
related symbols or marking the first string of related symbols as
complete, the gaming device proceeds as described above for each of
the remaining classified strings of related symbols which were
previously classified or formed from related symbols on the first
and second reels.
[0085] After analyzing each of the remaining strings of related
symbols, the gaming device determines, for each remaining pending
or incomplete string of related symbols, if any of the symbols from
the next adjacent reel, if any, should be added to any of the
previously classified strings of related symbols. This process
continues until either each string of related symbols is complete
or there are no more adjacent reels of symbols to analyze. In this
embodiment, where there are no more adjacent reels of symbols to
analyze, the gaming device marks each of the remaining pending
strings of related symbols as complete.
[0086] When each of the strings of related symbols is marked
complete, the gaming device compares each of the strings of related
symbols to an appropriate pay table and provides the player any
award associated with each of the completed strings of symbols. It
should be appreciated that the player is provided one award, if
any, for each string of related symbols generated in active symbol
positions (i.e., as opposed to being based on how many paylines
that would have passed through each of the strings of related
symbols in active symbol positions).
[0087] In one embodiment, a base or primary game may be a poker
game wherein the gaming device enables the player to play a
conventional game of video draw poker and initially deals five
cards all face up from a virtual deck of fifty-two card deck. Cards
may be dealt as in a traditional game of cards or in the case of
the gaming device, may also include that the cards are randomly
selected from a predetermined number of cards. If the player wishes
to draw, the player selects the cards to hold via one or more input
device, such as pressing related hold buttons or via the touch
screen. The player then presses the deal button and the unwanted or
discarded cards are removed from the display and the gaming machine
deals the replacement cards from the remaining cards in the deck.
This results in a final five-card hand. The gaming device compares
the final five-card hand to a payout table which utilizes
conventional poker hand rankings to determine the winning hands.
The gaming device provides the player with an award based on a
winning hand and the credits the player wagered.
[0088] In another embodiment, the base or primary game may be a
multi-hand version of video poker. In this embodiment, the gaming
device deals the player at least two hands of cards. In one such
embodiment, the cards are the same cards. In one embodiment each
hand of cards is associated with its own deck of cards. The player
chooses the cards to hold in a primary hand. The held cards in the
primary hand are also held in the other hands of cards. The
remaining non-held cards are removed from each hand displayed and
for each hand replacement cards are randomly dealt into that hand.
Since the replacement cards are randomly dealt independently for
each hand, the replacement cards for each hand will usually be
different. The poker hand rankings are then determined hand by hand
and awards are provided to the player.
[0089] In one embodiment, a base or primary game may be a keno game
wherein the gaming device displays a plurality of selectable
indicia or numbers on at least one of the display devices. In this
embodiment, the player selects at least one or a plurality of the
selectable indicia or numbers via an input device such as the touch
screen. The gaming device then displays a series of drawn numbers
to determine an amount of matches, if any, between the player's
selected numbers and the gaming device's drawn numbers. The player
is provided an award based on the amount of matches, if any, based
on the amount of determined matches.
[0090] In one embodiment, in addition to winning credits or other
awards in a base or primary game, the gaming device may also give
players the opportunity to win credits in a bonus or secondary game
or bonus or secondary round. The bonus or secondary game enables
the player to obtain a prize or payout in addition to the prize or
payout, if any, obtained from the base or primary game. In general,
a bonus or secondary game produces a significantly higher level of
player excitement than the base or primary game because it provides
a greater expectation of winning than the base or primary game and
is accompanied with more attractive or unusual features than the
base or primary game. In one embodiment, the bonus or secondary
game may be any type of suitable game, either similar to or
completely different from the base or primary game.
[0091] In one embodiment, the triggering event or qualifying
condition may be a selected outcome in the primary game or a
particular arrangement of one or more indicia on a display device
in the primary game, such as the number seven appearing on three
adjacent reels along a payline in the primary slot game embodiment
seen in FIGS. 1A and 1B. In other embodiments, the triggering event
or qualifying condition may be by exceeding a certain amount of
game play (such as number of games, number of credits, amount of
time), or reaching a specified number of points earned during game
play.
[0092] In another embodiment, the gaming device processor 12 or
central server 56 randomly provides the player one or more plays of
one or more secondary games. In one such embodiment, the gaming
device does not provide any apparent reasons to the player for
qualifying to play a secondary or bonus game. In this embodiment,
qualifying for a bonus game is not triggered by an event in or
based specifically on any of the plays of any primary game. That
is, the gaming device may simply qualify a player to play a
secondary game without any explanation or alternatively with simple
explanations. In another embodiment, the gaming device (or central
server) qualifies a player for a secondary game at least partially
based on a game triggered or symbol triggered event, such as at
least partially based on the play of a primary game.
[0093] In one embodiment, the gaming device includes a program
which will automatically begin a bonus round after the player has
achieved a triggering event or qualifying condition in the base or
primary game. In another embodiment, after a player has qualified
for a bonus game, the player may subsequently enhance his/her bonus
game participation through continued play on the base or primary
game. Thus, for each bonus qualifying event, such as a bonus
symbol, that the player obtains, a given number of bonus game
wagering points or credits may be accumulated in a "bonus meter"
programmed to accrue the bonus wagering credits or entries toward
eventual participation in a bonus game. The occurrence of multiple
such bonus qualifying events in the primary game may result in an
arithmetic or exponential increase in the number of bonus wagering
credits awarded. In one embodiment, the player may redeem extra
bonus wagering credits during the bonus game to extend play of the
bonus game.
[0094] In one embodiment, no separate entry fee or buy in for a
bonus game need be employed. That is, a player may not purchase an
entry into a bonus game, rather they must win or earn entry through
play of the primary game thus, encouraging play of the primary
game. In another embodiment, qualification of the bonus or
secondary game is accomplished through a simple "buy in" by the
player, for example, if the player has been unsuccessful at
qualifying through other specified activities. In another
embodiment, the player must make a separate side-wager on the bonus
game or wager a designated amount in the primary game to qualify
for the secondary game. In this embodiment, the secondary game
triggering event must occur and the side-wager (or designated
primary game wager amount) must have been placed to trigger the
secondary game.
[0095] In one embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 2B, one or more of
the gaming devices 10 are in communication with each other and/or
at least one central server, central controller or remote host 56
through a data network or remote communication link 58. In this
embodiment, the central server, central controller or remote host
is any suitable server or computing device which includes at least
one processor and at least one memory or storage device. In
different such embodiments, the central server is a progressive
controller or a processor of one of the gaming devices in the
gaming system. In these embodiments, the processor of each gaming
device is designed to transmit and receive events, messages,
commands or any other suitable data or signal between the
individual gaming device and the central server. The gaming device
processor is operable to execute such communicated events, messages
or commands in conjunction with the operation of the gaming device.
Moreover, the processor of the central server is designed to
transmit and receive events, messages, commands or any other
suitable data or signal between the central server and each of the
individual gaming devices. The central server processor is operable
to execute such communicated events, messages or commands in
conjunction with the operation of the central server. It should be
appreciated that one, more or each of the functions of the central
controller as disclosed herein may be performed by one or more
gaming device processors. It should be further appreciated that
one, more or each of the functions of one or more gaming device
processors as disclosed herein may be performed by the central
controller.
[0096] In one embodiment, the game outcome provided to the player
is determined by a central server or controller and provided to the
player at the gaming device. In this embodiment, each of a
plurality of such gaming devices are in communication with the
central server or controller. Upon a player initiating game play at
one of the gaming devices, the initiated gaming device communicates
a game outcome request to the central server or controller.
[0097] In one embodiment, the central server or controller receives
the game outcome request and randomly generates a game outcome for
the primary game based on probability data. In another embodiment,
the central server or controller randomly generates a game outcome
for the secondary game based on probability data. In another
embodiment, the central server or controller randomly generates a
game outcome for both the primary game and the secondary game based
on probability data. In this embodiment, the central server or
controller is capable of storing and utilizing program code or
other data similar to the processor and memory device of the gaming
device.
[0098] In an alternative embodiment, the central server or
controller maintains one or more predetermined pools or sets of
predetermined game outcomes. In this embodiment, the central server
or controller receives the game outcome request and independently
selects a predetermined game outcome from a set or pool of game
outcomes. The central server or controller flags or marks the
selected game outcome as used. Once a game outcome is flagged as
used, it is prevented from further selection from the set or pool
and cannot be selected by the central controller or server upon
another wager. The provided game outcome can include a primary game
outcome, a secondary game outcome, primary and secondary game
outcomes, or a series of game outcomes such as free games.
[0099] The central server or controller communicates the generated
or selected game outcome to the initiated gaming device. The gaming
device receives the generated or selected game outcome and provides
the game outcome to the player. In an alternative embodiment, how
the generated or selected game outcome is to be presented or
displayed to the player, such as a reel symbol combination of a
slot machine or a hand of cards dealt in a card game, is also
determined by the central server or controller and communicated to
the initiated gaming device to be presented or displayed to the
player. Central production or control can assist a gaming
establishment or other entity in maintaining appropriate records,
controlling gaming, reducing and preventing cheating or electronic
or other errors, reducing or eliminating win-loss volatility and
the like.
[0100] In another embodiment, a predetermined game outcome value is
determined for each of a plurality of linked or networked gaming
devices based on the results of a bingo or keno game. In this
embodiment, each individual gaming device utilizes one or more
bingo or keno games to determine the predetermined game outcome
value provided to the player for the interactive game played at
that gaming device. In one embodiment, the bingo or keno game is
displayed to the player. In another embodiment, the bingo or keno
game is not displayed to the player, but the results of the bingo
or keno game determine the predetermined game outcome value for the
primary or secondary game.
[0101] In the various bingo embodiments, as each gaming device is
enrolled in the bingo game, such as upon an appropriate wager or
engaging an input device, the enrolled gaming device is provided or
associated with a different bingo card. Each bingo card consists of
a matrix or array of elements, wherein each element is designated
with a separate indicia, such as a number. It should be appreciated
that each different bingo card includes a different combination of
elements. For example, if four bingo cards are provided to four
enrolled gaming devices, the same element may be present on all
four of the bingo cards while another element may solely be present
on one of the bingo cards.
[0102] In operation of these embodiments, upon providing or
associating a different bingo card to each of a plurality of
enrolled gaming devices, the central controller randomly selects or
draws, one at a time, a plurality of the elements. As each element
is selected, a determination is made for each gaming device as to
whether the selected element is present on the bingo card provided
to that enrolled gaming device. This determination can be made by
the central controller, the gaming device, a combination of the
two, or in any other suitable manner. If the selected element is
present on the bingo card provided to that enrolled gaming device,
that selected element on the provided bingo card is marked or
flagged. This process of selecting elements and marking any
selected elements on the provided bingo cards continues until one
or more predetermined patterns are marked on one or more of the
provided bingo cards. It should be appreciated that in one
embodiment, the gaming device requires the player to engage a daub
button (not shown) to initiate the process of the gaming device
marking or flagging any selected elements.
[0103] After one or more predetermined patterns are marked on one
or more of the provided bingo cards, a game outcome is determined
for each of the enrolled gaming devices based, at least in part, on
the selected elements on the provided bingo cards. As described
above, the game outcome determined for each gaming device enrolled
in the bingo game is utilized by that gaming device to determine
the predetermined game outcome provided to the player. For example,
a first gaming device to have selected elements marked in a
predetermined pattern is provided a first outcome of win $10 which
will be provided to a first player regardless of how the first
player plays in a first game and a second gaming device to have
selected elements marked in a different predetermined pattern is
provided a second outcome of win $2 which will be provided to a
second player regardless of how the second player plays a second
game. It should be appreciated that as the process of marking
selected elements continues until one or more predetermined
patterns are marked, this embodiment insures that at least one
bingo card will win the bingo game and thus at least one enrolled
gaming device will provide a predetermined winning game outcome to
a player. It should be appreciated that other suitable methods for
selecting or determining one or more predetermined game outcomes
may be employed.
[0104] In one example of the above-described embodiment, the
predetermined game outcome may be based on a supplemental award in
addition to any award provided for winning the bingo game as
described above. In this embodiment, if one or more elements are
marked in supplemental patterns within a designated number of drawn
elements, a supplemental or intermittent award or value associated
with the marked supplemental pattern is provided to the player as
part of the predetermined game outcome. For example, if the four
corners of a bingo card are marked within the first twenty selected
elements, a supplemental award of $10 is provided to the player as
part of the predetermined game outcome. It should be appreciated
that in this embodiment, the player of a gaming device may be
provided a supplemental or intermittent award regardless of if the
enrolled gaming device's provided bingo card wins or does not win
the bingo game as described above.
[0105] In another embodiment, one or more of the gaming devices are
in communication with a central server or controller for monitoring
purposes only. That is, each individual gaming device randomly
generates the game outcomes to be provided to the player and the
central server or controller monitors the activities and events
occurring on the plurality of gaming devices. In one embodiment,
the gaming network includes a real-time or on-line accounting and
gaming information system operably coupled to the central server or
controller. The accounting and gaming information system of this
embodiment includes a player database for storing player profiles,
a player tracking module for tracking players and a credit system
for providing automated casino transactions.
[0106] In one embodiment, the gaming device disclosed herein is
associated with or otherwise integrated with one or more player
tracking systems. In this embodiment, the gaming device and/or
player tracking system tracks any players gaming activity at the
gaming device. In one such embodiment, the gaming device and/or
associated player tracking system timely tracks when a player
inserts their playing tracking card to begin a gaming session and
also timely tracks when a player removes their player tracking card
when concluding play for that gaming session. In another
embodiment, rather than requiring a player to insert a player
tracking card, the gaming device utilizes one or more portable
devices carried by a player, such as a cell phone, a radio
frequency identification tag or any other suitable wireless device
to track when a player begins and ends a gaming session. In another
embodiment, the gaming device utilizes any suitable biometric
technology or ticket technology to track when a player begins and
ends a gaming session.
[0107] During one or more gaming sessions, the gaming device and/or
player tracking system tracks any suitable information, such as any
amounts wagered, average wager amounts and/or the time these wagers
are placed. In different embodiments, for one or more players, the
player tracking system includes the player's account number, the
player's card number, the player's first name, the player's
surname, the player's preferred name, the player's player tracking
ranking, any promotion status associated with the player's player
tracking card, the player's address, the player's birthday, the
player's anniversary, the player's recent gaming sessions, or any
other suitable data.
[0108] In one embodiment, a plurality of the gaming devices are
capable of being connected together through a data network. In one
embodiment, the data network is a local area network (LAN), in
which one or more of the gaming devices are substantially proximate
to each other and an on-site central server or controller as in,
for example, a gaming establishment or a portion of a gaming
establishment. In another embodiment, the data network is a wide
area network (WAN) in which one or more of the gaming devices are
in communication with at least one off-site central server or
controller. In this embodiment, the plurality of gaming devices may
be located in a different part of the gaming establishment or
within a different gaming establishment than the off-site central
server or controller. Thus, the WAN may include an off-site central
server or controller and an off-site gaming device located within
gaming establishments in the same geographic area, such as a city
or state. The WAN gaming system may be substantially identical to
the LAN gaming system described above, although the number of
gaming devices in each system may vary relative to each other.
[0109] In another embodiment, the data network is an internet or
intranet. In this embodiment, the operation of the gaming device
can be viewed at the gaming device with at least one internet
browser. In this embodiment, operation of the gaming device and
accumulation of credits may be accomplished with only a connection
to the central server or controller (the internet/intranet server)
through a conventional phone or other data transmission line,
digital subscriber line (DSL), T-1 line, coaxial cable, fiber optic
cable, or other suitable connection. In this embodiment, players
may access an internet game page from any location where an
internet connection and computer, or other internet facilitator is
available. The expansion in the number of computers and number and
speed of internet connections in recent years increases
opportunities for players to play from an ever-increasing number of
remote sites. It should be appreciated that enhanced bandwidth of
digital wireless communications may render such technology suitable
for some or all communications, particularly if such communications
are encrypted. Higher data transmission speeds may be useful for
enhancing the sophistication and response of the display and
interaction with the player.
[0110] As mentioned above, in one embodiment, the present
disclosure may be employed in a server based gaming system. In one
such embodiment, as described above, one or more gaming devices are
in communication with a central server or controller. The central
server or controller may be any suitable server or computing device
which includes at least one processor and a memory or storage
device. In alternative embodiments, the central server is a
progressive controller or another gaming machine in the gaming
system. In one embodiment, the memory device of the central server
stores different game programs and instructions, executable by a
gaming device processor, to control the gaming device. Each
executable game program represents a different game or type of game
which may be played on one or more of the gaming devices in the
gaming system. Such different games may include the same or
substantially the same game play with different pay tables. In
different embodiments, the executable game program is for a primary
game, a secondary game or both. In another embodiment, the game
program may be executable as a secondary game to be played
simultaneous with the play of a primary game (which may be
downloaded to or fixed on the gaming device) or vice versa.
[0111] In this embodiment, each gaming device at least includes one
or more display devices and/or one or more input devices for
interaction with a player. A local processor, such as the
above-described gaming device processor or a processor of a local
server, is operable with the display device(s) and/or the input
device(s) of one or more of the gaming devices.
[0112] In operation, the central controller is operable to
communicate one or more of the stored game programs to at least one
local processor. In different embodiments, the stored game programs
are communicated or delivered by embedding the communicated game
program in a device or a component (e.g., a microchip to be
inserted in a gaming device), writing the game program on a disc or
other media, downloading or streaming the game program over a
dedicated data network, internet or a telephone line. After the
stored game programs are communicated from the central server, the
local processor executes the communicated program to facilitate
play of the communicated program by a player through the display
device(s) and/or input device(s) of the gaming device. That is,
when a game program is communicated to a local processor, the local
processor changes the game or type of game played at the gaming
device.
[0113] In another embodiment, a plurality of players at a plurality
of linked gaming devices in a gaming system participate in a group
gaming environment. In one embodiment, a plurality of players at a
plurality of linked gaming devices work in conjunction with one
another, such as playing together as a team or group, to win one or
more awards. In one such embodiment, any award won by the group is
shared, either equally or based on any suitable criteria, amongst
the different players of the group. In another embodiment, a
plurality of players at a plurality of linked gaming devices
compete against one another for one or more awards. In one such
embodiment, a plurality of players at a plurality of linked gaming
devices participate in a gaming tournament for one or more awards.
In another embodiment, a plurality of players at a plurality of
linked gaming devices play for one or more awards wherein an
outcome generated by one gaming device affects the outcomes
generated by one or more linked gaming devices.
Progressive Awards
[0114] In one embodiment, a plurality of gaming devices at one or
more gaming sites are networked to the central server in a
progressive configuration, wherein a portion of each wager placed
is allocated to one or more progressive awards. In one embodiment,
the progressive awards are associated with the system gaming
machines which each contribute portions of the progressive awards.
In one such embodiment, different progressive awards are associated
with different numbers of gaming devices. For example, a
progressive award valued at $10,000 may be associated with ten
gaming devices while another progressive award valued at $500,000
may be associated with one-hundred gaming devices. In one
embodiment, the multiple gaming machines may be in the same bank of
machines, in the same casino or gaming establishment (such as
through LAN), or in two or more different casinos or gaming
establishments (such as through a WAN). In another embodiment, each
individual gaming machine maintains one or more progressive awards
wherein a portion of the wagers placed at that respective gaming
machine is allocated to one or more progressive awards maintained
by such individual gaming machine. In another embodiment, each
individual gaming machine maintains one or more progressive awards
and the central server simultaneously or substantially
simultaneously maintains one or more progressive awards. In one
such embodiment, the lower valued, more frequently triggered
progressive awards are maintained by the individual gaming machines
and the higher valued, less frequently triggered progressive awards
are maintained by the central server. In one embodiment, a portion
of each wager placed at a designated gaming device is allocated to
one or more progressive awards associated with that designated
gaming device. In another embodiment, a portion designated wagers
placed at a designated gaming device, such as a portion of each
maximum wager placed or a portion of each side wager placed, is
allocated to one or more progressive awards associated with that
designated gaming device.
[0115] In one embodiment, a master host site computer is coupled to
a plurality of the central servers at a variety of mutually remote
gaming sites for providing a multi-site linked progressive
automated gaming system. In one embodiment, a master host site
computer may serve gaming devices distributed throughout a number
of properties at different geographical locations including, for
example, different locations within a city or different cities
within a state. In one embodiment, the master host site computer is
maintained for the overall operation and control of the system. In
this embodiment, a master host site computer oversees all or part
of the progressive gaming system and is the master for computing
all or part of the progressive jackpots. All participating gaming
sites report to, and receive information from, the master host site
computer. Each central server computer is responsible for all data
communication between the gaming device hardware and software and
the master host site computer.
[0116] In one embodiment, one or more of the progressive awards are
arranged in a hierarchy and start at different levels such as $10,
$100, $1000 and $10,000 and increment or increase until provided to
a player. The progressive awards accumulate based on a small
percentage (such as 0.1%) of coin-in or wagered amounts in a
conventional manner. In one embodiment, the percentage that goes to
each progressive award is equal (such as 0.1% to each of four
progressive awards). At this accrual rate, player wagers totaling
$1,000,000 are required for the progressive to reach $1000. At
least a fraction of this amount may be funded by the gaming
establishment, such as a casino's marketing department, by using a
starting value higher than zero to make the progressives attractive
even after they are reset. In other embodiments, two or more of the
progressive awards may be funded by different percentages. In these
embodiments, the central server and/or individual gaming device
processor continues to increase the progressive levels until a
progressive award is provided to a player (upon the occurrence of a
progressive award triggering event), at which point the progressive
is reset and another progressive award starts incrementing from the
appropriate default progressive award level. In another embodiment,
two or more of the progressive awards may be funded at different
temporal rates. In this embodiment, the different progressive
awards are incremented or funded in different increments of time
wherein until the progressive hits, a set amount is added to the
progressive at each determined time increment. In another
embodiment, two or more of the progressive awards may each be
incremented or funded based on different incrementing factors or
incrementors. In this embodiment, a first of the progressive awards
may increment each time a first incrementing factor occurs and a
second of the progressive awards may increment each time a second
incrementing factor occurs, wherein the first incrementing factor
and the second incrementing factor are different. Examples of
incrementing factors could be a symbol-driven trigger in the base
game, the occurrence of one or more events in a bonus game, the
player betting a maximum amount, a percentage of possible gaming
machines being actively played or in active status, or any other
suitable method for defining an incrementor.
[0117] In one embodiment, one or more of the progressive awards are
each funded via a side bet or side wager. In this embodiment, a
player must place or wager a side bet to be eligible to win the
progressive award associated with the side bet. In one embodiment,
the player must place the maximum bet and the side bet to be
eligible to win one of the progressive awards. In another
embodiment, if the player places or wagers the required side bet,
the player may wager at any credit amount on any payline (i.e., the
player need not place the maximum bet and the side bet to be
eligible to win one of the progressive awards). It should be
appreciated that one or more of the progressive awards may each be
funded, at least in part, based on the wagers placed on the primary
games of the gaming machines in the gaming system, via a gaming
establishment or via any suitable manner. Further, it should be
appreciated that a gaming system can require each player to place
the same sized wager or side bet to be eligible to win on or more
of the progressive awards. Alternatively, a gaming system enables
preferred players (e.g., members of a club, players who meet a
threshold for frequency and/or quantity of wagers, players
celebrating their birthday, anniversary or other special event,
etc.) to be eligible to win one or more of the progressive awards
by placing a smaller wager or side bet than other players. It
should also be appreciated that the wager or side bet size
requirements can also apply to players wagering on
multi-denominational systems. For example, both a player wagering
in nickel increments and a player wagering in dollar increments are
required to place the same sized side bet (e.g., $5) to be eligible
to win the progressive awards.
[0118] In one embodiment, one or more of the progressive awards are
each funded via a side bet or side wager. In this embodiment, a
player must place or wager a side bet to be eligible to win the
progressive award associated with the side bet. In one embodiment,
the player must place the maximum bet and the side bet to be
eligible to win one of the progressive awards. In another
embodiment, if the player places or wagers the required side bet,
the player may wager at any credit amount on any payline (i.e., the
player need not place the maximum bet and the side bet to be
eligible to win one of the progressive awards). It should be
appreciated that one or more of the progressive awards may each be
funded, at least in part, based on the wagers placed on the primary
games of the gaming machines in the gaming system, via a gaming
establishment or via any suitable manner. Further, it should be
appreciated that a gaming system can require each player to place
the same sized wager or side bet to be eligible to win one or more
of the progressive awards. Alternatively, a gaming system enables
preferred players (e.g., members of a club, players who meet a
threshold for frequency and/or quantity of wagers, players
celebrating their birthday, anniversary or other special event,
etc.) to be eligible to win one or more of the progressive awards
by placing a smaller wager or side bet than other players. It
should also be appreciated that the wager or side bet size
requirements can also apply to players wagering on
multi-denominational systems. For example, both a player wagering
in nickel increments and a player wagering in dollar increments are
required to place the same sized side bet (e.g., $5) to be eligible
to win the progressive awards.
[0119] In one alternative embodiment, a minimum wager level is
required for a gaming machine to qualify to be selected to obtain
one of the progressive awards. In one embodiment, this minimum
wager level is the maximum wager level for the primary game in the
gaming machine. In another embodiment, this minimum wager level is
placing a wager on all available paylines in a slot primary game or
alternatively placing a wager on all available poker hands in a
multi-hand poker primary game. In another embodiment, no minimum
wager level is required for a gaming machine to qualify to be
selected to obtain one of the progressive awards.
[0120] In one embodiment, the central server or other central
controller determines when one or more progressive award wins are
triggered. In this embodiment, a central controller and an
individual gaming machine work in conjunction with each other to
determine when a progressive award win is triggered, for example
through an individual gaming machine meeting a predetermined
requirement or criteria established by the central controller. In
another embodiment, an individual gaming machine may determine when
one or more progressive award wins are triggered. In another
embodiment, an individual gaming machine may determine when at
least one progressive award win is triggered and the central
controller determines when at least one progressive award win is
triggered.
[0121] In one embodiment, different gaming devices in the gaming
system have different progressive awards available to the player.
In one such embodiment, different types of gaming devices are
associated with different types of progressive awards based on the
configuration of the gaming system. In one embodiment, zero, one or
more progressive awards may be associated with each of the gaming
devices in the gaming system while zero, one or more different
progressive awards may be associated with a plurality of, but not
all of the gaming devices in the gaming system.
[0122] In one embodiment, progressive awards are associated with a
startup value, a trigger value and a progressive award amount. A
startup value is the value to which a progressive award value is
initially set or reset upon being won. As described above or in any
other suitable manner, the progressive award value is increased
based on a portion of one or more wagers until the progressive
award is won. In one embodiment, a progressive award is won when an
accumulated award amount meets or exceeds the trigger value. In one
embodiment, the trigger value for a progressive award is the
startup value for that progressive award. In other embodiments, the
trigger value is independent of the startup value.
[0123] In one embodiment, a bonus or secondary game is initiated
upon the occurrence of a triggering event. In one embodiment, the
triggering of the bonus event occurs through a game play event,
such as the generation of a designated symbol or symbol combination
or any other suitable symbol-driven trigger, at an individual
gaming machine in the gaming system. In another embodiment, the
triggering of the bonus event occurs independent of any game play
event which may occur in any primary game or any secondary game
played at one or more gaming machines in the gaming system.
[0124] In one such embodiment, the triggering of the bonus event
occurs based on at least one accumulated value progressive award
incremented to a progressive award hit value. In this embodiment,
the gaming system includes one or more accumulated value
progressive awards or N.sup.th coin progressive awards. Such
accumulated value progressive awards are driven by an amount of
wagers placed or a suitable coin-in amount. In one such embodiment,
each accumulated value progressive award is associated with a range
of values, wherein each progressive award will be provided to a
player of a gaming device in the gaming system when the progressive
award increments to a progressive award hit value within the range
of values associated with that progressive award. That is, when an
accumulated value progressive award increases to a determined
progressive award hit value, a triggering of the bonus event will
occur. In different embodiments, the progressive award hit value at
which an accumulated value progressive award causes a triggering of
the bonus event to occur is predetermined, randomly determined,
determined based on the wagers placed in the gaming system,
determined based on the status of one or more players (such as
determined through a player tracking system), determined based on
time, or determined based on any other suitable method. In this
embodiment, after the accumulated value progressive award causes a
triggering of the bonus event to occur, the accumulated value
progressive award is reset to a default value and starts
incrementing from the default progressive award level.
[0125] In operation of one such embodiment, the central server
which hosts one of these accumulated value progressive awards: (1)
determines a minimum amount and a maximum amount for the
progressive award or prize pool, (2) provides that the progressive
award or prize pool starts at the minimum, (3) determines an
accumulated value progressive award hit value between the minimum
amount and the maximum amount, (4) increments the progressive award
or prize pool with a configured percent of coin-in, and (5) causes
a triggering of the bonus event to occur when the progressive award
or prize pool equals the determined accumulated value progressive
award hit value. In this embodiment, the accumulated value
progressive award hit value is determined at random to maintain
fairness for the players at the gaming devices in the gaming
system, wherein the players are not aware of any determined
accumulated value progressive award hit value.
[0126] In different embodiments, the range of values associated
with an accumulated value progressive award is predetermined,
randomly determined, determined based on the wagers placed in the
gaming system, determined based on the status of one or more
players (such as determined through a player tracking system),
determined based on time, or determined based on any other suitable
method. In one embodiment, a plurality of accumulated value
progressive awards are associated with different value ranges. In
another embodiment, each of a plurality of accumulated value
progressive awards are associated with a different value range. In
another embodiment, a plurality of accumulated value progressive
awards are associated with the same value range. In another
embodiment, the value range associated with an accumulated value
progressive award a player plays for is based on a player's status
(via a player tracking system). For example, a bronze level player
may play for an accumulated value progressive award associated with
a value range of $10 to $100, a silver player may play for an
accumulated value progressive award associated with a value range
of $200 to $500 and a gold player may play for an accumulated value
progressive award associated with a value range of $1000 to
$5000.
[0127] In another embodiment, the triggering of the bonus event is
based on time. In this embodiment, a time is set for when a
triggering event will occur. In one embodiment, such a set time is
based on historic data. For example, if previous bonus event
triggers have occurred after approximately sixty-seven hours, a
bonus event may be set to trigger sixty-seven hours from the
conclusion of the previous bonus event. In one embodiment, a
suitable algorithm is implemented to determine the player who
wagered at or closest to this time with tie-breaking based on any
number of factors (e.g., player tracking history, amount of or
recent wagers placed). In this embodiment, the gaming device which
the algorithm determined wagered closest to when the bonus event
triggered is designated the triggering gaming device. In another
embodiment, one of the gaming devices which placed a wager during a
designated time period is randomly selected and designated as the
triggering gaming device.
[0128] In another such embodiment, the triggering of the bonus
event is based on a predefined variable reaching a defined
parameter threshold. For example, the bonus event is triggered when
the 500.sup.th different player has played a gaming machine
associated with one of the progressive awards (ascertained from a
player tracking system). In different embodiments, the predefined
parameter thresholds include a length of time, a length of time
after a certain dollar amount is hit, a wager level threshold for a
specific machine (which gaming device is the first to contribute
$250,000), a number of gaming machines active, or any other
parameter that would define a threshold for the progressive.
[0129] In another embodiment, the triggering of the bonus event
occurs after a random number of plays in which a progressive award
is not provided to a player. In another embodiment, the triggering
of the bonus event is based upon gaming system operator defined
player eligibility parameters stored on a player tracking system
(such as via a player tracking card or other suitable manner). In
another embodiment, the triggering of the bonus event is based upon
gaming system operator defined player eligibility parameters stored
on a player tracking system (such as via a player tracking card or
other suitable manner).
[0130] In another such embodiment, the triggering of the bonus
event includes a system determination which is based on a random
selection by the central controller. In this embodiment, the
central controller tracks all active gaming machines and the wagers
they placed (via an accumulated wager pool). When the accumulated
wager pool at least exceeds a predefined threshold, the central
controller randomly determines (at predetermined intervals) if a
bonus event will occur. In one embodiment, the player who
consistently places a higher wager is more likely to receive cause
a bonus event to be triggered than a player who consistently places
a minimum wager.
[0131] In another such embodiment, the central controller
determines, in cooperation with the gaming device, when to trigger
a bonus event by utilizing one or more random number generators. In
this embodiment, the central controller determines when to trigger
a bonus event by determining if any numbers allotted to a gaming
device match a randomly selected number. In one such embodiment,
upon or prior to each play of each gaming machine, a random number
is selected from a range of numbers and during each primary game,
the gaming machine allocates the first N numbers in the range,
where N is the number of credits bet by the player in that primary
game. At the end of the primary game, the randomly selected number
is compared with the numbers allocated to the player and if a match
occurs, that particular gaming machine triggers a bonus event. It
should be appreciated that any suitable manner of triggering the
bonus event may be implemented with the gaming system disclosed
herein.
Progression Through Progressive Award Wins
[0132] In one embodiment, a triggered secondary or bonus game
enables a player to win one or more progressive awards. That is, a
player is provided a chance to move up one or more progressive
award levels of an MLP, wherein winning progressive award levels is
based on the outcome of the secondary game. Further, the gaming
system disclosed herein provides a player an improved chance of
winning higher progressive awards when a lower progressive award is
won by increasing a total award value based on the lower
progressive award.
[0133] As shown in FIGS. 3A to 3D, a gaming system of one
embodiment includes a plurality of progressive awards arranged in a
hierarchy. Upon the occurrence of a triggering event or qualifying
condition, a bonus or secondary game is started. Specifically,
there are four progressive awards arranged from first (lowest
startup value) to fourth (highest startup value). The first
progressive award 102a has a startup value of $5 and a trigger
value of $5. The progressive award value of the first progressive
award 102a is illustrated as being $9.50. The second progressive
award 102b has a startup value of $20 and a trigger value of $20.
The progressive award value of the second progressive award 102b is
illustrated as being $30. The third progressive award 102c has a
startup value of $100 and a trigger value of $100. The progressive
award value of the third progressive award 102c is illustrated as
being $150. The fourth progressive award 102d has a startup value
of $1000 and a trigger value of $1000. The progressive award value
of the fourth progressive award 102d is illustrated as being $1200.
Other embodiments have other suitable numbers of progressive awards
with various other suitable startup and award values.
[0134] During the bonus game, the player can win a next higher
progressive award in the hierarchy by accumulating award values or
alternatively points. FIG. 3A illustrates the display of the bonus
game at the start of the game. A message area 112 displays a
message indicating that the bonus game is triggered because the
most recent spin result from the primary game included three "7"
symbols on one payline. The total award value is set to zero and is
displayed in total award indicator or meter 110. Because the bonus
game has not progressed to the first spin, there is no award value
for the current spin. However, the award this spin indicator or
meter 106 also displays a value of zero.
[0135] The player is provided one or more spins or activations of
one or more symbol generators, such as reels. Specifically, the
player is provided with a predetermined number of spins which may
be dependent or independent of a player's wager or one or more
triggering events. More specifically, as explained in message area
112, the player is provided with three spins because three "7"
symbols were generated on one payline. If three bar symbols were
generated on one payline, the player would have received ten spins,
for example. The number of spins remaining (i.e., 3) is displayed
in remaining spins indicator or meter 114. After each spin, the
number of remaining spins is reduced by one. If the number of
remaining spins is zero, the bonus game ends.
[0136] The one or more symbol generators each include or are
otherwise associated with a plurality of symbols 104. One or more
symbols 104 or symbol combinations are associated with award
values, bonus game terminators, or progressive award wins.
Specifically, the relationships between awards and symbols or
symbol combinations are the same as in a primary game.
[0137] If the spin result includes symbols or combinations
associated with award values, the total resulting award value is
displayed in award this spin indicator 106. The total resulting
award value for the spin is also added to the player's total award
value and displayed in the total award indicator 110.
[0138] FIG. 3B shows the result of the player's first spin of the
bonus game. A message in the message area 112 explains that three
cherry symbols on one payline results in an award of $4.50. As a
result, the award this spin indicator 106 displays the amount of
$4.50. The total award value ($0) is increased by the award for
this spin ($4.50). As a result, the total award indicator 110 also
displays a value of $4.50. Further, the remaining spins indicator
114 displays that two spins remain.
[0139] During play of the bonus game, if the player's total award
value as displayed in the total award indicator 110 is greater than
or equal to a trigger value for a progressive award, the player
wins the progressive award. In the embodiment illustrated in FIGS.
3A to 3D, the trigger value for each of the four progressive awards
is the startup value of the progressive award. As a result, no
progressive award is won by the spin illustrated in FIG. 3B.
However, FIG. 3C illustrates the results of a second spin in which
the generation of three moneybag symbols on one payline results in
an award of $1.25.
[0140] Award this spin indicator 106 in FIG. 3C displays the amount
of $1.25. As explained in message area 112, the total award value
is increased to $5.75 ($4.50+$1.25), which is greater than the
trigger value of the first progressive award. As a result, the
player wins the first progressive award and the first progressive
award is provided to the player. The total award value is set to
the first progressive award value of $9.50, and the total award
indicator 110 displays the amount of $9.50. As a result, the player
is advanced closer to reaching the trigger values for the higher
progressive awards. In other words, the player only needs to
accumulate an additional $11.50 to win the second progressive prize
rather than an additional $14.25. Further, the remaining spins
indicator 114 displays that one spin remains.
[0141] As shown in FIG. 3D, the first progressive award is reset to
its startup value. FIG. 3D also shows the result of the third spin.
The spin result includes a terminator symbol 108. As explained in
message area 112, as a result of the generation of the terminator
symbol 108, the bonus game ends. It should be noted that even if
the terminator symbol 108 was not generated, the bonus game would
end because, as displayed in remaining spins indicator 114, the
number of remaining spins is zero.
[0142] It should be noted that in other embodiments, the total
award indicator 110 is set to the value of a progressive award
awarded to the player at initiation of the bonus game or any other
suitable amount. For example, as shown in FIG. 3E, the first
progressive award value ($9.50) becomes the player's total award
value at the start of the bonus game.
[0143] It should also be noted that in other embodiments, the
player can win additional spins during play of the secondary or
bonus game. For example, FIG. 3F shows the result of the third
spin, following the spin shown in FIG. 3C, in which a free spin
symbol 116 is generated instead of a terminator symbol. As
explained in message area 112, the number of remaining spins is
increased by one. As a result, remaining spins indicator 114
displays one spin remaining and the bonus game continues.
[0144] In other embodiments, a number of remaining spins is not
maintained. Instead, the player is provided additional spins or
activations until a game terminating condition (e.g., winning a top
progressive award, a terminator symbol or combination being
generated, a lack of one or more symbols or combinations being
generated, etc.) occurs. In one embodiment, the player can win
anti-terminators during play of the bonus game. If a player wins an
anti-terminator and a terminator symbol is generated on a
subsequent spin, the anti-terminator counters the effects of the
terminator symbol, enabling the game to continue.
[0145] It should also be noted that in an alternative embodiment,
the relationships between symbols or combinations and awards are
different in the primary and bonus games. For example, three cherry
symbols on a payline is associated with an award of $10 in the
primary game, but only $1.25 in the game.
[0146] In one embodiment, if a player wins a progressive award but
the progressive award is lower than the total award value, the
total award value is not set to the progressive award value. For
example, if both the trigger value and the progressive award value
for a progressive award are $5 and the total award value is $5.75,
the player wins the progressive award. However, the total award
value is not set to $5.
[0147] In another embodiment, instead of increasing the player's
total award value to the progressive award value, the total award
value is increased by the progressive award value. For example,
FIG. 3G shows the result of the second spin of the bonus game,
similar to FIG. 3C, in which the progressive award value is added
to the total award value. Because the total award value ($5.75) is
increased by the first progressive award ($9.50), the total award
indicator 110 displays a value of $15.25.
[0148] In another embodiment, the amount by which the trigger value
is exceeded (e.g., $0.75 in FIG. 3C) is added to the total award
value after the total award value is set to the progressive award
value. As a result, the total award value shown in FIG. 3C would
become $10.25. In different embodiments, the total award value is
increased when a progressive award is won by another suitable
amount, including but not limited to: a predetermined amount which
is not dependent on a progressive award value, a randomly
determined amount within a range of amounts, a percentage or
portion of the difference between the total award value and the
next trigger value, a predetermined amount less than the difference
between the total award value and the next trigger value, a
percentage or portion of the progressive award value won or a
percentage or portion of the total award value.
[0149] In another embodiment, the amount by which the trigger value
is exceeded funds the start up value for the next progressive award
level. In another embodiment, the amount by which the trigger value
is exceeded funds the start up value for the player's previous
progressive award level (i.e., the progressive award level
associated with the recently reached trigger value). In another
embodiment, the amount by which the trigger value is exceeded is
provided to the player in addition to any progressive award value.
In another embodiment, the amount of the player's total award value
(prior to being increased to a progressive award value upon
reaching an appropriate trigger value) funds the start up value for
the player's previous progressive award level. In another
embodiment, the amount of the player's total award value (prior to
being increased to a progressive award value upon reaching an
appropriate trigger value) funds the start up value for the next
progressive award level.
[0150] In another embodiment, progressive awards won in the bonus
game are not necessarily provided to the player before another spin
or at any other time in the game. For example, a terminator symbol
or combination can, in addition to ending the game, eliminate any
progressive awards won during the game. In one embodiment having
such a terminator, a player is provided an opportunity to end the
game and receive any accumulated awards before making another spin.
For example, FIGS. 3H and 3I show spins similar to the spins shown
in FIGS. 3C and 3D, except that the player is provided with an
opportunity to end the game by pressing cash out button 118 instead
of spinning again. Further, as explained in message area of FIG.
3I, because the terminator symbol 108 was generated, the first
progressive award is not provided to the player. Instead, the first
progressive award is not reset to its startup value and remains
winnable by this or another player in the future.
[0151] In various embodiments, any suitable amount, including zero,
is provided to the player at the end of the bonus game. For
example, even if a player loses all progressive awards won during
the bonus game, the player is provided $5. In another embodiment,
the player loses any progressive award won during the bonus game if
the player wins a progressive award, decides to continue playing
for the next progressive award and fails to win the next trigger
award. The player is provided the opportunity to decide whether to
proceed after each progressive award is won, enabling the player to
consider the amount needed to reach the next progressive award and
the size of the next progressive award when making the
determination.
[0152] In different embodiments, the total award value is provided
to the player instead of or in addition to any progressive award
won during the bonus game. For example, FIG. 3J shows an
alternative result of the third spin of the bonus game of FIG. 3C.
The spin results in three cherry symbols on one payline. As
explained in message area 112 and displayed in award this spin
indicator 106, the award for this spin is $4.50. As a result, the
total award value ($9.50) is increased to $14; however, the total
award value is not greater than or equal to the trigger value ($20)
of the second progressive award. Further, as shown in remaining
spins indicator 114, no spins remain. Thus, the bonus game ends and
the total award value is provided to the player. In another
embodiment, the higher of the progressive award and the total award
value is provided to the player.
[0153] It should be noted that in one embodiment, one or more of
the progressive award values can be increased (e.g., increased due
to another player's wager) or decreased (e.g., reset when won by
another player) during the bonus game. For example, FIG. 3K shows
an alternative result of a first spin following FIG. 3A. The second
progressive award value is increased to $30.01, and the third
progressive award value is reset to $100.00.
[0154] In one embodiment, the trigger value for a progressive award
is independent of the startup value. For example, in FIG. 3L, the
fourth progressive award has a startup value of $1000.00 and a
trigger value of $750.00. Similarly, the third progressive award
has a startup value of $100.00 and a trigger value of $125.00.
[0155] In one embodiment, a player is only provided one of the
progressive awards won (or qualified for) during the game. For
example, if after the spin result illustrated in FIG. 3C, a
subsequent spin resulted in at least $11.50 in awards, the player
would win the second progressive prize. Assuming the bonus game
ends before the total award value reaches $100, the player is
provided the second progressive award value ($30) and not the first
progressive award value ($9.50). As a result, the second
progressive award value is reset to $20 and the first progressive
award value remains $9.50.
[0156] In one embodiment, at least one progressive award is
associated with a maximum value. The maximum value can be any
suitable value, including but not limited to a startup value of a
progressive award that is higher in the hierarchy. In an example
embodiment similar to the one illustrated in FIG. 3A, the maximum
value for the first progressive award is $20, the maximum value for
the second progressive award is $100, the maximum value for the
third progressive award is $1000 and the fourth progressive award
has no maximum value.
[0157] In various embodiments, after a progressive award value is
incremented to its maximum value, additional values which would
otherwise increment the progressive award value are allocated for
different uses. For example, the additional values are stored for
later use to fund the startup value of this or another progressive
award. Alternatively, the additional values or a portion of the
additional values fund an increase in the startup value for some
progressive award. For example, before the maxed-out second
progressive award is won, $15 is accumulated from the additional
values. Instead of the second progressive award being reset upon
being awarded to its startup value of $20, it is reset to $35. In
another embodiment, the additional values are added to the
progressive value of the next non-maxed-out progressive award in
the hierarchy. For example, if a wager would cause $0.05 to be
added to the first progressive award, but the first and second
progressive award values are at their respective maximum values,
the $0.05 is added to the third progressive award value.
[0158] In an alternative embodiment, the trigger value necessary to
win a progressive award is dependent upon the total award value at
some point in the bonus game. For example, the trigger value for a
second progressive award is $25 more than the total award value
when the first progressive award is won. In this example, the first
progressive award value is $15, and the trigger value for the first
progressive award is $10. If the player wins the first progressive
award by having a total award value of $10 and the total award
value becomes $25 ($10+$15), the player must reach at least a total
award value of $50 to win the second progressive award. If instead,
the player wins the first progressive award by having a total award
value of $10.75 and the total award value becomes $25.75
($10.75+$15), the player must reach at least a total award value of
$50.75 to win the second progressive award. It should be noted that
the trigger amount can be dependent in any suitable manner upon the
total award value at some point in the bonus game, including but
not limited to: being a fixed amount higher, being a fixed
percentage higher or being a randomly generated amount (or
percentage) within a range of amounts higher.
[0159] In one embodiment, total award values persist for use in a
later played game. In one embodiment, a persistent total award
value is associated with an individual player. As a result, the
player is able to accumulate awards values in a bonus game, save
the total award value, stop playing for a period of time, return to
playing and not lose the total award value the player previously
won. Alternatively, the persistent total award values are
associated with a gaming device. As a result, if a first player
accumulates a total award value in a bonus game of a gaming device
and then stops playing, the total award value is stored. The next
player to play the bonus game on the gaming device plays using the
total award value previously accumulated by the first player.
[0160] In one embodiment, when a player wins a progressive award,
other player's total award values are reduced. In another
embodiment, when a player wins a progressive award, the trigger
value for one or more progressive awards is increased. As a result,
a player that is close to having a high enough total award value to
win a progressive award is encouraged to continue playing.
Otherwise, the player risks becoming further away from winning the
progressive award when another player wins a progressive award.
[0161] In one embodiment, a player is able to win a progressive
prize if the player accumulates a trigger amount of award values
within a time frame. For example, if a player accumulates $50 in an
hour, the player wins a first progressive prize. Similarly, if the
player accumulates $250 in an hour, the player wins a second
progressive prize. In one embodiment, only one time frame per
player is active at one time. For example, a player needs to
accumulate $50 in an hour to win a progressive prize. At the start
of the hour, the player accumulates $5. However, the player does
not accumulate any additional awards until the last five minutes of
the hour, when the player accumulates an additional $40. At the end
of the hour, the player only has $45 and a new hour begins. Even if
the player accumulates an additional $10 in the first five minutes
of the next hour, the player does not win the progressive
prize.
[0162] In an alternative embodiment, a player is able to win a
progressive award by accumulating a trigger amount of award values
in any time frame. In the above example, after accumulating the
$10, the player would have accumulated $50 within an hour and would
therefore win a progressive award.
[0163] In another embodiment, the server based game includes
tournament play. Prizes are arranged in a hierarchy and include
cash prizes or other items. A player moves up the prize hierarchy
by increasing his or her total award value. Further, when a player
reaches the next prize level, the player's total award value is
increased based on the prize won at that level (e.g., all or a
portion of a progressive award value for the level) or any other
suitable value.
[0164] FIG. 4 illustrates the process of operating a gaming device
in which progressive awards are provided to a player when a total
award value in a bonus game is greater than or equal to a trigger
value for the progressive award and in which the total award value
is set to the progressive award when the progressive award is won
in accordance with one embodiment. At step 200, a primary game is
played based on a wager. At step 202, it is determined whether a
triggering event occurs. The triggering event can be any suitable
triggering event, including but not limited to those already
described above. If the triggering event does not occur, the
process repeats at step 200.
[0165] If the triggering event occurs, at step 204, a total award
value is set to an initial value (e.g., zero or a progressive award
value) and a next progressive award is determined. For example, if
no progressive award has been won during the bonus game, the first
progressive award is the next progressive award. Similarly, if the
first progressive award has already been won in this play of the
bonus game but the second progressive award has not, the second
progressive award is the next progressive award, and so on. At step
206, one or more symbols are generated. At step 208, it is
determined whether a terminator symbol or combination is generated.
If a terminator symbol is generated, the process repeats at step
200.
[0166] If a terminator symbol is not generated, at step 210, it is
determined whether a top progressive winning trigger event occurs.
The top progressive winning trigger event can be any suitable
trigger, including but not limited to a symbol combination being
generated. If a top progressive winning trigger event occurs, at
step 212, the top progressive award is provided to the player and
the process repeats at step 200.
[0167] If a top progressive winning trigger event does not occur,
at step 214, an award value associated with the generated one or
more symbols is determined. At step 216, the total award value is
incremented by the determined award value. At step 218, it is
determined whether the total award value is greater than or equal
to the trigger value for the next progressive award in the
progressive award hierarchy. If the total award value is less than
the trigger value for the next progressive award, the process
repeats at step 206.
[0168] If the total award value is greater than or equal to the
trigger value for the next progressive award in the progressive
award hierarchy, at step 220, it is determined whether the next
progressive award is the top progressive award. If the next
progressive award is the top progressive award, the process
continues at step 212.
[0169] If the next progressive award is not the top progressive
award, at step 222, the total award value is set to the next
progressive award, and the next progressive award is provided to
the player. In other words, the player wins the next progressive
award and the total award value is increased to that progressive
award value. At step 224, a new next progressive award is
determined and the process repeats at step 218.
[0170] In an alternative embodiment, if the total award value is
already greater than the next progressive award value (e.g., the
progressive value is $20.25, the trigger value is $20, and the
total award value after being incremented by the spin result is
$20.50), at step 222 the total award value is not set to the
progressive value. Instead, the total award value is not changed.
In an alternative embodiment, the total award value is incremented
by any suitable value, such as the award value of one or more of
the previous spins.
[0171] FIG. 5 illustrates the process of operating a gaming device
in which a total award value is provided to a player at the end of
a bonus game and in which a total award value is incremented by a
progressive award value when the total award value is greater than
or equal to a trigger value for the progressive award in accordance
with one embodiment. At step 300, a primary game is played based on
a wager. At step 302, it is determined whether a triggering event
occurs. The triggering event can be any suitable triggering event,
including but not limited to those already described above. If the
triggering event does not occur, the process repeats at step
300.
[0172] If the triggering event occurs, at step 304, a total award
value is set to an initial value (e.g., zero or a progressive award
value) and a next progressive award in the progressive award
hierarchy (e.g., the lowest progressive award) is determined. At
step 306, one or more symbols are generated. At step 308, it is
determined whether a terminator symbol or combination is generated.
If a terminator symbol is generated, at step 310, the total award
value is provided to the player and the process repeats at step
300.
[0173] If a terminator symbol is not generated, at step 312, it is
determined whether a top progressive winning trigger event occurs.
The top progressive winning trigger event can be any suitable
trigger, including but not limited to a symbol combination being
generated. If a top progressive winning trigger event occurs, at
step 314, the total award value is increased by the top progressive
award and the process continues at step 310.
[0174] If a top progressive winning trigger event does not occur,
at step 316, an award value associated with the generated one or
more symbols is determined. At step 318, the total award value is
incremented by the determined award value. At step 320, it is
determined whether the total award value is greater than or equal
to the trigger value for the next progressive award in the
progressive award hierarchy. If the total award value is less than
the trigger value for the next progressive award, the process
repeats at step 306.
[0175] If the total award value is greater than or equal to the
trigger value for the next progressive award in the progressive
award hierarchy, at step 322, it is determined whether the next
progressive award is the top progressive award. If the next
progressive award is the top progressive award, the process
continues at step 314.
[0176] If the next progressive award is not the top progressive
award, at step 324, the total award value is increased by the next
progressive award. At step 326, a new next progressive award is
determined and the process repeats at step 320.
[0177] In an alternative embodiment, a progressive award is won
based on a total award value only when the total award value is
exactly equal to the trigger value associated with the progressive
award. A player is provided with the opportunity to accumulate
awards to produce a total award value as described above or in any
other suitable manner. If the total award value is equal to the
trigger value associated with one of the progressive awards in the
hierarchy, the player wins that progressive award. In various
embodiments, the total award value is set to or incremented by a
progressive award if that progressive award is won. In another
embodiment, the total award value is not increased based on the
progressive award value.
[0178] In one embodiment, the game ends if the total award value
exceeds the trigger value associated with the top progressive
award. For example, if the value associated with the top
progressive award is $100 and the total award value is $105, the
game ends. In another embodiment, rather than the game ending when
a total award value exceeds the trigger value associated with the
top progressive award, the total award value is reset to an initial
value. In still another embodiment, the total award value is set to
the amount the total award value exceeds the trigger value
associated with the top progressive award. For example, if the
trigger value associated with the top progressive award is $100 and
the total award value is $105, the total award value is set to
$5.
[0179] In one embodiment, the game has a progressive award for
every possible total award value within a range of values. For
example, one hundred one progressive awards are associated with
trigger values ranging from $0.00 to $1.00 in $0.01 increments.
[0180] In one embodiment, the frequencies of occurrences of
individual awards are set such that one of the progressive awards
is less likely to be won than another progressive award during the
play of the bonus game. In an example, the probability of a spin
resulting in an award of $0.00 is one in ten million. Consequently,
the lowest progressive award in the hierarchy (e.g., the
progressive award with a trigger value of $0.00) is won
infrequently and only on the first spin of a bonus game. As a
result, the lowest progressive award can increase in value to being
higher than other available progressive awards. Further, because
the lowest progressive award would be winnable on the first spin or
activation provided to a player, the player's excitement during
that first spin is increased compared to when only smaller
progressive awards can be won on the first spin or activation.
[0181] An example embodiment has one hundred one progressive
awards, associated with trigger values of $0.00 to $1.00. The
trigger value is the same as the startup value for each progressive
award. The maximum award that can be accumulated on any one spin is
$0.75, and the minimum is $0.00. As a result, the player will win
at least one progressive award during play of the bonus game unless
a terminator symbol or combination is generated. As described
above, the probability of a spin generating an award of $0.00 is
one in ten million. As a result, the progressive prize associated
with the trigger value of $0.00 is likely to grow large over time.
Because the large prize, possibly the largest of the progressive
awards, is winnable on the first spin of the bonus game, a player's
excitement and interest in playing the game is increased.
[0182] In this embodiment, if a progressive award is won, the total
award value is set to the progressive award. If the new total award
value is equal to the trigger value for another progressive award,
the other progressive award is also provided. For example, if the
total award value is $0.25, and the progressive award associated
with a trigger of $0.25 has a progressive award value of $1.00, the
total award value is set to $1.00, and the progressive award
associated with the trigger value of $1.00 is also provided to the
player.
[0183] FIG. 6 illustrates the process of operating a gaming device
in which progressive awards are provided to a player when a total
award value in a bonus game is equal to a trigger value for the
progressive award and in which the total award value is set to the
progressive award value when the progressive award is won in
accordance with one embodiment. At step 400, a primary game is
played based on a wager. At step 402, it is determined whether a
triggering event occurs. The triggering event can be any suitable
triggering event, including but not limited to those already
described above. If the triggering event does not occur, the
process repeats at step 400.
[0184] If the triggering event occurs, at step 404, a total award
value is set to an initial value (e.g., zero). At step 406, one or
more symbols are generated. At step 408, it is determined whether a
terminator symbol or combination is generated. If a terminator
symbol is generated, the process repeats at step 400.
[0185] If a terminator symbol is not generated, at step 410, it is
determined whether a top progressive winning trigger event occurs.
The top progressive winning trigger event can be any suitable
trigger, including but not limited to a symbol combination being
generated. If a top progressive winning trigger event occurs, at
step 412, the top progressive award (in this embodiment, the
progressive award with the highest progressive award value
regardless of the trigger value) is provided to the player and the
process repeats at step 400.
[0186] If a top progressive winning trigger event does not occur,
at step 414, an award associated with the generated one or more
symbols is determined. At step 416, the total award value is
incremented by the determined award. At step 418, it is determined
whether the total award value is greater than the trigger value for
the highest progressive award in the progressive award hierarchy.
If the total award value is greater than the trigger value for the
highest progressive award, the process repeats at step 400.
[0187] If the total award value is less than or equal to the
trigger value for the highest progressive award in the progressive
award hierarchy, at step 420, the progressive award having a
trigger value of the total award value is determined. At step 422,
the determined progressive award is provided to the player and the
total award value is set to the determined progressive award and
the process repeats at step 418.
[0188] In one embodiment, the accumulated progressive award is only
increased based on awards generated in a spin. For example, if a
progressive award is won, the total award value is unaffected by
the progressive award win. FIG. 7 illustrates the process of
operating a gaming device in which progressive awards are provided
to a player when a total award value in a bonus game is equal to a
trigger value for the progressive award and in which the total
award value is only incremented in response to awards generated in
a spin in accordance with one embodiment. At step 500, a primary
game is played based on a wager. At step 502, it is determined
whether a triggering event occurs. The triggering event can be any
suitable triggering event, including but not limited to those
already described above. If the triggering event does not occur,
the process repeats at step 500.
[0189] If the triggering event occurs, at step 504, a total award
value is set to an initial value (e.g., zero). At step 506, one or
more symbols are generated. At step 508, it is determined whether a
terminator symbol or combination is generated. If a terminator
symbol is generated, the process repeats at step 500.
[0190] If a terminator symbol is not generated, at step 510, it is
determined whether a top progressive winning trigger event occurs.
The top progressive winning trigger event can be any suitable
trigger, including but not limited to a symbol combination being
generated. If a top progressive winning trigger event occurs, at
step 512, the top progressive award is provided to the player and
the process repeats at step 500.
[0191] If a top progressive winning trigger event does not occur,
at step 514, an award associated with the generated one or more
symbols is determined. At step 516, the total award value is
incremented by the determined award. At step 518, it is determined
whether the total award value is greater than the trigger value for
the highest progressive award in the progressive award hierarchy.
If the total award value is greater than the trigger value for the
highest progressive award, the process repeats at step 500.
[0192] If the total award value is less than or equal to the
trigger value for the highest progressive award in the progressive
award hierarchy, at step 520, the progressive award having a
trigger value of the total award value is determined. At step 522,
the determined progressive award is provided to the player and the
process repeats at step 506.
[0193] It should be understood that various changes and
modifications to the presently preferred embodiments described
herein will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Such changes
and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and
scope of the present invention and without diminishing its intended
advantages. It is therefore intended that such changes and
modifications be covered by the appended claims.
* * * * *